TORONTO — Despite the Carolina Hurricanes' five-game losing streak, president and general manager Jim Rutherford said no major roster changes or trades are in the works or being considered.
The Canes' plan, Rutherford said Sunday: "Stay the course."
"We have the players to come out of this," he said. "There obviously has to be some adjustments in games and we have to start to get some breaks. But I'm not actively trying to move players.
"When you lose a few games, teams like to call you, they think you're vulnerable. I don't think this is a time to be considering it. I know it may sound funny to people right now — I like this group of guys."
The Canes' fifth loss came Saturday at Buffalo. The Sabres won 3-1 but needed a big game in net from goaltender Ryan Miller to hold off the Hurricanes, who had 19 third-period shots and closed with 37.
"You know, it doesn't feel good right now and the first thing everybody wants to talk about is changes or what can this player or that player do," Rutherford said. "But there's a period there not too long ago when this team was playing extremely well. Not losing any games in regulation. Granted, we might lose in overtime, but we'd be getting a point a game or winning.
"Somehow we have gone through a period here where we haven't played as well. I did see some signs of coming out of it in the Buffalo game. It's not a game we wanted to lose but there's a long way to go to the finish line and when we were playing better we knew this would go right down to the end."
Rutherford didn't rule out picking up a player or two before the March 4 trading deadline.
"We've got time to do that. We'll have a better idea when we get to the first of March as to where we are," he said. "Are we closer to getting in the playoffs? Are we for sure getting in?
"At that point we'll sit and say, 'Is there is a player out there who can make a difference for us in the playoffs?' But right now, we have a team that's trying to get back on track. ... Of late there's a lot of disappointment when you lose five games in a row. But this group of guys has to work and come out of it."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
Read between the lines
Mon, 01/19/2009 - 12:44 — HockeydogRutherford saying he is staying the course just might mean he can't trade anyone for a player who could make a difference.
It's easy for fans to say "just make a trade " or we need so and so, but it takes 2 to tango. I'm sure teams have called him and made offers that do not help the Canes. I also do partially feel he is correct in that the current players do have it in them to make the playoffs. But no amount of yelling will light a fire in a grown mans gut that he himself can't light.
And stripping Brindy of the C would be stupid, it would fracture the locker room. If Brindy is hurt, he needs to go to IR, if not then reducing his ice time is in order but he wouldn't be the first Captain that played on a 4th line. Stripping him would also be classless. If he offers to give it up that's fine but he's been a class, hardworking, and very good hockey player for many years.
Luke hit it on the head
Sun, 01/18/2009 - 23:39 — xpukguyDeCock couldn't have stated it much clearer in his column the other day. This team sucks. Mediocre is about all it's worth. When will people wake up and take off the rose colored glasses. Even true fans have to be realistic at some point. We are bottom feeders and 2006 was lightyears ago. Rutherford must like hitting himself in the groin if he likes this team. There is absolutely nothing likeable about this bunch. They are underachievers with a captain who should be stripped of the C and put on the fourth line where he belongs. Open up the roster and make everyone available for trade and see what bites.
I'm so glad...
Tue, 03/24/2009 - 10:13 — hockeyhick...that you don't post here anymore! You truly are a worthless "fan." If I NEVER hear from you again, it will be too soon.
Yes, stay the course so that
Sun, 01/18/2009 - 22:16 — RonMexicoYes, stay the course so that you have a shot at Tavarres or Hedman. Then again if you got a pick that high you would probably trade them away as well (ala Andrew Ladd and Jack Johnson).
I don't believe a Canes move
Sun, 01/18/2009 - 19:07 — ctillI don't believe a Canes move to KC is imminent. If the Canes aren't improved -- "streaky, slightly overaged, middle-of-the-pack" is bang on, at this point -- ticket sales in KC over the long run wouldn't be any better. Sports is a crowded market these days, and I'd argue that 1080p is eating into arena attendance in mid-sized markets. Unless people in KC are absolutely starved for things to do in the winter -- that's not what the NBA Kings found out -- a mediocre team gets mediocre ticket sales in any mid-sized U.S. market. The Islanders are more likely to move to KC, as long as they can't get a deal for a new arena on LI.
The Islanders have already
Sun, 01/18/2009 - 20:05 — atrioneThe Islanders have already signed an agreement to play an exhibition game in KC in September. That arena is run by AEG and Karmanos would never move to an arena that he doesn't operate too. Been there, done that.
Did somebody say
Sun, 01/18/2009 - 18:26 — esteban1949KCMO ?? it's funny...they have a new & empty arena and I'd hate to see what the name of the team would be ?
KC "Bombers" Hmm they got's the "chiefs" via NFL, the Royals via MLB...gee after having to stop and think...and staying course...even the Fox Sport's story concerning that New & Empty Arena never loaded up..hmmmmm...oh well I'll keep following the Rats & Spokane Chiefs, more than the canes...
OK, fine, stay the course...
Sun, 01/18/2009 - 16:23 — dr_avalancheI hope you enjoy 3rd straight season of mid-April golf, bad draft position/picks, and the shrinking STH base. I guess that course may lead towards Hartford or KC....
I would think you should
Wed, 01/21/2009 - 19:27 — SubwayScoundrelI would think you should worry more about the Avs shrinking ticket sales than the canes. A once proud hockey city barely breaking 14K on many games? The team left once before, watch what happens as the The Sugared water center gets old and Denver realizes it is not a 4 sport town.
I've pretty much concluded
Sun, 01/18/2009 - 16:03 — caneshockeyfanI've pretty much concluded that we have a streaky, slightly overaged, middle-of-the-pack NHL club here. If the team squeaks into the playoffs, I don't seem them making much of a run. I'd be happy to be proven wrong.