As I noted in my ‘What I’m watching’ preview, the Hurricanes have not had recent success in their opening, so Saturday’s wild win was a breath of fresh air and hopefully an early sign that things really are different this year.
The Monday Coffee Shop will mostly offer up another day to savor Saturday’s win and at the same time consider what it means for the 2017-18 season. If you missed it, Canes and Coffee’s notes on Saturday’s game plus a number of great reader comments are HERE.
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Discussion questions
1) If you did not (or if you did also) chime in with comments in the game recap article, what most jumped out at you from Saturday’s win?
2) Based on Saturday’s game, what adjustments/changes would you make before Tuesday’s game if you were Bill Peters?
3) If you are new to The Coffee Shop, please feel free to include a brief introduction.
Go Canes!
1) What jumped out was the 16 seconds of play leading to Rask’s goal. The Canes played textbook transition hockey. Amazingly, six players were involved in seven plus key plays:
* Pesce challenges an entry pass from the Wild, which meant the puck entry crossed the blue line without the Wild having control.
* This allowed Slavin get to the puck first and make a tight turn leaving Eric Staal behind the play. When another Minnesota player tries to forecheck, Slavin advances the puck to Pesce who is just inside the blue line.
* Pesce gets the puck out of the defensive zone by making a short pass to Jordan Staal who is along the boards and importantly draws another forechecker while also having a clear view of the ice.
* Staal makes another short pass to Lindholm who has circled from his back-checking position to where he has room near center ice.
* Lindholm attacks the center of the Wild defense, which at this point is only the two defensemen as the forecheckers are behind the play due to the quick passes from Pesce and Staal. Lindholm splits the two defenders with control of the puck as one wild forward tries to catch up behind the play. He controls the puck to just before the lower face-off circles, at which point the defenders are both in the middle and Aho is alone on the left-side for an easy pass once Lindholm turns away from the goal. Lindholm continues to the corner taking a defender with him.
* Aho spins back into the defenders as Pesce drives to the post on the left side, causing the Wild’s player on that side to switch his stick to the middle of the ice. This gives Aho an open lane to pass to Rask who is just off the bench. Pesce is in the center of the ice just below the circles heading toward the net and Lihdnolm has closed on the far post so that both are available for rebounds and are basically 2-on-1 against the Wild player if there is a rebound.
* Rask quickly buries the wrist shot as the sixth player involved in the play.
My guess is that is how coaches draw it on the white boards. Near perfect execution by six players. Going from challenging a zone entry to transition to attack to goal in 16 seconds. Each of the six players was involved–actually Lindholm twice and Pesce three times–and made a play that increased the chances for the go-ahead goal.
The first game was not perfect. Given last year’s pattern, there is still room for concern about Rask continuing to be an every game contributor for 82 games. The goal did not end up winning the game. BUT in that 16 seconds the Hurricanes displayed the type of hockey that has so many C&C (and other caniacs) readers optimistic. And as you mention in the article about the forward lines, the six players that made it happen could be any of 18 on the ice on a given night. I expect to remember all the parts of that goal when I am watching playoff hockey in April.
2) I wouldn’t necessarily make changes. I would have the D paying more attention to forwards from the opposition “cheating.” Eric Staal was “leaving early” multiple times. It led to his break-away goal, another opportunity in the second that was only averted by an excellent play by Pesce, and what could have been a back-breaker in the third when he cleanly beat Slavin for an uncontested shot that luckily Darling stopped. I have read at least one article that argues for just such a strategy–maybe it will be intentional by some teams moving forward.
Here’s hoping that we continue to discuss the Canes’ winning ways all season.
1. Team Resiliency. After the 1st period being down 1-0, Justin Williams confidently said something to the likes of ‘we’ll get it back’. To me he is the epitome of the team’s mindset. And while we later ended up being down 3-1, it felt like Williams remarks are engrained in every Canes player. We came back to take the lead, and won in a dramatic shootout. To me this game checked off several boxes in the ‘swagger’ department. Well done.
2. I don’t think changes are needed at this point, maybe some line tweaks but that is expected throughout the year.
1. There seemed to be some shakiness in the first two periods that we didn’t really see in the preseason but I felt things really started to click in the third and it was fun to see them battle back and really play with a purpose. I think the W will provide some much needed confidence to really reinforce the new attitude and expectations. The talent is there and when we’re on our game I think we are going to surprise some teams and be very difficult to play.
2. I don’t think any major changes are required at this point. I would like to see the starting D-pairs be Slavin-Pesce, Hanifin-Faulk, and Fleury-TVR to start on Tuesday. Things seemed to improve when we made that change in the second period. I like that our D is aggressive offensively but we can’t have multiple breakdowns and leave Darling out to dry like we did Saturday.
1a. Victor Rask. He has been largely absent from the excited conversation this pre-season but he looks very physically fit. When he gets his timing dialed in he could have a very good year. We could really use that.
1b. “In System” play. The team game with lots of puck movement on the transition and possession strategy in the O zone. The Finns were all fun to watch, particularly Aho and Kuokkanen. Kuokkanen’s puck possession skills surprised a bit for such a young player, he could be very special too. I like what he brings to the team.
1c. As others have commented, attitude and confidence. It is the halo effect from Justin Williams.
2. No changes. Well, except for one. Turn Hanifin’s helmet around so he can see out the front, he seemed to be seeing the game through the ear hole. lol. No seriously he seemed focused straight ahead and was not seeing what was happening on his perimeters, but that is surely opening day jitters. His ability to see plays develop deep in the offensive end is great plus, but he needs to balance that with perimeter awareness. After a week of practicing only against your own system it is typical for players to occasionally be caught off guard by other systems, for the first month or so of the season, and not completely “see the game”. Those things go both ways though and usually even out.
1/ The bugaboo from last year on defense was that we gave up too many odd-man rushes; otherwise, we were generally solid, especially after the trade deadline. I realize BP likes his D-men to use their skating ability and to be aggressive offensively, but not to the tune of two breakaway chances per game. We have to clean that up. Other than that, and other than starting out with two early penalties (nerves, maybe?), we scored 4 goals and had multiple other chances. I think 4 goals is going to win most games in this league. As I’ve asserted many times over the summer, I think we have more than enough offense if we play great defense. Well, we only got it half-right. We’re going to need to be better against CBJ.
2/ I wouldn’t make any changes. One thought: like most other commenters, Kuokkanen was very good and deserves another start. That leaves Necas still sitting in the press box; that’s not a good thing. Both need to be playing, especially Necas (as a center). I realize it’s only for 9 games or so, but … that’s not a sustainable situation.
3/ Since I’ve never introduced myself; Grew up in NC, now live in CLT, Canes fandom started ~2010/11 and has been growing steadily over the past few years. Mostly limited to TV viewing (often from DVR). I usually have no idea what I’m talking about.
1. I really liked the play of Nordstrom and Kruger on both the 4th line and the PK. They played like vets and anticipated each other’s movements very effectively.
I was surprised at how frequently the Wild got behind our defenders – neutral zone play was not as effective as I thought it would be – and it wasn’t just Hanifin’s early miscues.
I was highly impressed by Kuokkanen.
2. Start Jooris over McGinn – not that Brock didn’t play well, I just think Jooris is an upgrade and should play even more effectively with Krugs and Nordy.
I like Aho and Lindy, I just don’t think either is at their best with Staal. I was very impressed by the early preseason line of Kuokkanen-Staal-Williams – a puck-hogging, possession line with offensive capability. I am not sure why Peters went to Aho-Staal-Lindholm, but he had his reasons. I think K-S-W makes sense, particularly in how the 2nd and 3rd lines can get reconfigured.
1. For the season’s first game, the combination of rust and adrenaline made for a very large number of “wtf’s” and “omg’s” through the whole game, ot, and shoot out. Like my golf game, hard to tell which ability and consistency level will be most representative of the Canes this season. But overcoming the 2 goal deficit, shaking off the effects of the last second goal by the Wild, playing a solid OT and winning the shootout with solid goal tending, this win might have been the best kind of win to develop a “winning attitude” for the rest of the season.
2. The change I wouldn’t make is in goal. Let Darling settle in playing behind a team w/o opening night jitters and find a groove. Give Ward his shot(s) on the road trip.
3. Like dmiller, I’ve never introduced myself; Grew up in North Jersey (exit132), moved away after college, traveled with work a bit and moved to Charlotte and then Raleigh 31 years ago. Retired 7 years ago. Been an STH since opening day in Raleigh, but never watched hockey until then. Since I was on a long planned vacation weekend Saturday I still have to say the last home opener I’ve seen in person was in Helsinki. (Rookie Jeff Skinner won that one with a shoot out goal against the Wild.)
Could anybody comment on TVRs status for next game?
If not, what about trying:
Hanifin – Pesce
Fleury – Slavin
Fleury/Dahlbeck – Faulk
I remember commenting to my wife that TVR was back on the ice. I suspect he is fine but I remember him showing up again later in the game.
He won’t be available for Tuesday, according to BP today. Ankle and leg soreness reported from his crash with the boards.
I’m going to reiterate something mentioned yesterday by a couple people, that REALLY NEEDS WORK…the powerless-play! …especially the 5-3 … Brindy aught to be able to fix this mess! I have a lot of respect for Rod, BUT…HE NEEDS TO BE BETTER THAN THAT…Smith does a great job with the defense and PK, the PP SUCKS!
I thought both McGinn and Kuokkanen looked very effective, and I’m not sure who I’d replace to bring in Necas, or Jooris!
Nice problem to have, eh?
Agreed puckgod, that 5 on 3 was horrible. I understand patients and looking for that perfect shot but you have 2 more guys at the net for rebounds. You throw it at the net and score because of the numbers game. Rodey has had significant time to do something about the PP. He has the weapons, there are no more excuses. We did get a power play goal but that 5 on 3 was hard to watch. FIX IT.
Jooris is unknown to me. I have no call on if he would be better or bring the intensity McGinn brings. I am sure BP will try him in the next few games.
On the point of the PP I agree with you, puckgod. The PP looked no different/better than last year. This has to be a “must-fix” for the team, given the elevated number of penalties per game.
1) I did comment on the game recap article. I was pleased that they never stopped. I think the defensive gaffs were fist game jitters. I believe Darling was nervous also with first game as a true #1. We will see if the trend continues. I wonder when other teams will start going to school on Slavin’s go to move.
2) I would not make adjustments at this time. In general we controlled the game, except for some defensive mess-ups. I doubt Peters will have Kuokkanen and Necas on the ice in the same game. When something is not broke, don’t fix it. I think Kuokkanen played very well. I noticed him several times. Necas is going to be great but even though we want to get a look at NHL level, I do believe he is better served developing in the Chez league for one more year. I agree with several here that he should concentrate on center. Its tough because they are both very gifted. Nice problem to have.
3) I guess I also never introduced myself. Grew up in MI (played hockey on ponds often) but never really followed the red wings. I was living in Dallas when the stars won the cup. I have been in Raleigh area for 13 years and have been STH since 07. I did attend many on the games in 06 before becoming STH. Also went to the TC tournament this year. I would recommend that to anyone. Like Dmiller, I usually have no idea what I’m talking about also, just love the game.
So the forward that impressed me after Aho was Kuokkanen. I think he played well, played with pace, and didn’t make many mistakes.
I’d like to see BP keep him with risk and TT and tell TT his goal is to shoot the freakin’ puck with confidence like he did in preseason.
Since TVR is out, I’m not sure I like a Dahlbeck/Fleury combo. Maybe do a Hanifin/Faulk, Pesce/Fleury, Slavin/Dahlbeck.
Introduction: Grew up in Chicago burbs. Watched the great Blackhawks teams from the early 70’s with my dad on WGN. My Dad turned off Hockey when it became, in his words, boxing on ice. I picked back up in the Gretzky Oilers days when they used to be on ESPN. Always been a Blackhawks fan, but when came down in 2001 and could introduce my boys to hockey up close and personal, became a Canes fan. No STH for me as I like being close to the ice and can’t afford STH there, but make a minimum of 4 games a year. One with a friend and one with each of my kids. Hoping for about 8-10 this year.
BTW, I finally saw the replay from above on the Wild’s final goal. It was a good goal. And I initially thought it was a horrible call.
Faulk skating through the crease between Darling and the net pushed Darling out of position.
Ryan then pushed Dumba into the crease.
Ryan then, in trying to clear Dumba out of the crease, pushed him into Darling to prevent him from returning to his position.
As ugly as it was, it was a good goal by the rules.
New to conversation but long time viewer and hockey fanatic from way back to the early days of the Charlotte Checkers. I am very excited not only for the Canes but also the Checkers. A lot has been said about the Canes but I thought an update on the early success of the Checkers should be noted:
Francis has done a remarkable job in drafting and trading for quality players since he took over as GM. Look what is happening already in Charlotte this year. I know it is early but what they are loaded and already have the AHL leading goal scorer in Foegele with 4. He had 2 not 1 shorthanded goals last game. Di Gee and Zykov already have 2 goals a piece and Saarela had a goal scorers goal where it broke . I saw him last year and if he can stay healthy he will be a big part of the Hurricane future as well as many others on this club. I do worry about the goal tending. Ned needs to learn how to not give up juicy rebounds and don’t know a thing about Smith. I think that the firepower they have will make up for the lack of quality goal tending. It should be a fun year for the fans at all levels. One other note… the Florida team has not been beaten in preseason and Lorentz had a 2 goal and assist night.