Leafs and Hurricanes to faceoff for special teams bragging rights

Toronto Maple Leafs in Raleigh - Peter Koutroumpis - PKS Consulting LLC

Talking with a well-known media member traveling with the Toronto Maple Leafs' contingent in Raleigh to work tonight's game against the Carolina Hurricanes at the RBC Center, I posed the scenario of how close, yet far apart, both teams are considering they both have over 115 goals against apiece.

"Yeah, we're scoring, but we can't (expletive) kill a penalty if our lives depended on it," the esteemed media member said.

How true it is as the Maple Leafs bring the NHL's worst penalty kill (30th - 72% - 38-139) to match-up against the Hurricanes.

Great news for Caniacs, right?

Well, not so much as Carolina will see the Leafs' 30th ranking and match it with their own as the league-worst power play (30th - 12.4% - 20-161) will challenge Toronto when the time comes.


A lot alike but...

Ironically enough both teams have a lot in common as they possess 2-2-1 records over their past five games and are both 4-4-2 over their past ten games.

The Hurricanes sport a 1-0-1 record against Toronto after coming back to tie it in regulation during their last game in mid-December which resulted in an eventual 2-1 OT loss.

With so many goals scored against, the difference rests with the Leafs hovering around seventh place (40 points) in the Eastern Conference and in the playoff discussion while any talk of playoffs relating to the Hurricanes results in rolling eyes and terse lips at this point as the team currently sits in 14th place (30 points).

However, coach Kirk Muller and the team continue to work hard and have that end-goal in mind, making the playoffs, regardless of how far-fetched it may seem right now as a number of games against conference foes are coming up, including tonight's match-up against the Leafs.

Scouting reports from the source

When asked after the team's optional pre-game skate this morning, Muller's scouting report of the Leafs was  similar to that of every team that comes in to face the Hurricanes:

"Toronto's an aggressive team and they skate and they want to come at their opponents as well," Muller said.

"I think its important that we take their time and space away, get playing down in their end and if they get some shots on net, don't give them the opportunity to kinda' feel that they're going to bounce back," he continued with a smile.

On the other hand, in a somewhat comical fashion, the Leafs have Carolina scouted well and had their report posted in their dressing room for all to see which the News and Observer's Chip Alexander provided for those that didn't have the pleasure of reading it first hand.

It was an entertaining and accurate description of the Hurricanes right now, with diagrams included, and it was priceless for those of  us there who read it.

When asked if the Hurricanes will draw the Leafs into penalties to try to take advantage of Toronto's poor penalty-killing Muller replied, "Yeah, well we've got our stuff, our issues, with our power play too."

Enough said.


Articles of note:

Scouting the Hurricanes, Maple Leafs style 

Scouting the Canes, Maple Leafs style

Read more here: http://blogs.newsobserver.com/canes/scouting-the-canes-maple-leafs-style#storylink=cpyv

Scouting the Canes, Maple Leafs style

Read more here: http://blogs.newsobserver.com/canes/scouting-the-canes-maple-leafs-style#storylink=cpy

Scouting the Canes, Maple Leafs style

Read more here: http://blogs.newsobserver.com/canes/scouting-the-canes-maple-leafs-style#storylink=cpy

Leafs look to rebound vs. Hurricanes 

Hurricanes lack accountability while prepping for Maple Leafs

Scouting the Canes, Maple Leafs style

Read more here: http://blogs.newsobserver.com/canes/scouting-the-canes-maple-leafs-style#storylink=cpy

The Raleigh Sports Examiner on Facebook

Follow the Raleigh Sports Examiner on Twitter @pksport

The Raleigh Sports Examiner - Sports with a Local Twist

Raleigh Sport Examiner - You Tube channel

 

NHL coaching changes: It's you, not me

Kirk Muller took over in Carolina - Grant Halverson/Getty Images

With six coaching changes in the NHL that have taken place in recent months, it is not surprising to see that five of them have not garnered significant results initially.

Three teams  in the Western conference (St. Louis, Anaheim, Los Angeles) and three teams in the Eastern Conference (Washington, Carolina, Montreal) have taken the steps necessary to initiate change behind their benches.

With the exception of Ken Hitchcock leading St. Louis, the other five newly tapped coaches (Bruce Boudreau (Anaheim), Dale Hunter (Washington), Kirk Muller Carolina), Darryl Sutter (Los Angeles), Randy Cunneyworth (Montreal)) have not accomplished much - yet.

The blame game

In a tight economy, the need for a business like a professional hockey team to continue to generate revenue is paramount.

Not mutually exclusive, winning and getting people to attend games are necessary factors for a team to remain financially viable and to keep everyone 'feeling good' about their team.

Winning is 'job security' as a professional hockey coach and many of the individuals removed from their posts (Davis Payne, Randy Carlyle, Bruce Boudreau, Paul Maurice, Terry Murray, Jacques Martin) were not meeting standards set by their teams - not winning or not not winning enough.

Change is good so they say and it is easier to remove one person rather than an entire team, right?

A fool's game

With the exception of the St. Louis, Blues the final verdict has yet to be determined whether these moves will help each of these teams to win more games in the short and long term.

The rooms full of talent that each team possesses are not showing much improvement.

You remove one person, the coach, the strategic leader who many lost faith and confidence in, and leave a group of players who are the ones ultimately responsible for not getting the job done on the ice.

These are NHL pros

When a new coach comes in, maybe with a more personable coaching style than the previous one, or who apparently understands the game better with today's younger players, he has the opportunity to 'wipe the slate clean'.


"Let's not look back at the past, but let's focus towards the future," are the first words out of a that coach's mouth because that is what management has told them to do in getting the player's minds settled.

A psychological game takes place and pressure mounts even more as the expectation to win has now squarely been placed on the players shoulders to get the job done.

As professionals in the NHL, these players are expected to perform and achieve success accordingly - win games, make the playoffs, win the Stanley Cup.

If it was the former coach who kept them from winning, then the new one should help them tremendously, right?

Not necessarily so.

Talent lacking

When the new coach comes in to take over with a third of the regular season already complete, how much higher or different are the expectations from team management, media and fans alike than before?

If the team doesn't begin to look and play differently and win games, then the move made during the season was worthless, right?

If the team possesses the talent to win games, and has gotten the change in leadership, as requested or required accordingly, but doesn't win games, then what's the problem?

What if the new coach just doesn't mesh with the players after all or doesn't truly have the ability and experience to coach the team? What then?

The saying 'it is what it is' may very well start to be heard in unison around the league very soon, if not already.


Articles of note:

How valuable is win percentage in one-goal games?

Stakes huge for struggling Habs 
 

The Raleigh Sports Examiner on Facebook

Follow the Raleigh Sports Examiner on Twitter @pksport

The Raleigh Sports Examiner - Sports with a Local Twist

Raleigh Sport Examiner - You Tube channel

Devils to pose special teams challenge to Hurricanes

Martin Brodeur during pre-game skate - Peter Koutroumpis, PKS Consulting LLC

After a two-day layoff for the Christmas holiday, the Carolina Hurricanes host the New Jersey Devils at the RBC Center in Raleigh N.C. on Monday night.

The Devils travel south with a 4-1 record in the their last five games - the most recent being a 4-3 shootout win over the Washington Capitals.

The Hurricanes brought their fans an early Christmas present during this challenging season with a 2-1 overtime win over the Ottawa Senators on Friday night.

Playing to a 2-1-2 record over their last five, Carolina looks to take keep their upbeat play under coach Kirk Muller going as the Devils come into town.

Special teams focus

The big differential for this game will key in on special teams as New Jersey will showcase the NHL's top-rated penalty-killing talent if and when they get the opportunity to.

The unfortunate combination for Carolina in this regard is that they are 0-9 on the power play during their past three games, so putting together an extra-man offense to score against starter Johan Hedberg and reliable PK scorers Zach Parise, rookie Adam Henrique along with veteran Patrik Elias, may be a tall order to make.

The Hurricanes enter tonight refreshed after a break with their families and are ready to get back at it after their win on Friday.

"Obviously it's nice to take a two-day break to not have to think about hockey, but at the same time you're feeling good out of the rink," Hurricanes forward Jussi Jokinen stated.

Against New Jersey, Jokinen pointed out that they will focus on reading and adjusting to how they defend them on the power play.

"Special teams is going to be big," Jokinen continued. "I think our power play has to be a little bit better - we are going in the right direction. We got some plays that we are confident that are going to work but we also have to play with our instincts."

On the other side of the dot, the Devils will counter with experience on their side with regard to defensive play.

"I think we've been pretty aggressive on the PK.," veteran Elias pointed out.

"We have a structure - a combination that we always keep but on the other hand we kind of work off of each other. It takes a lot of extra hard work and everybody's doing their job."

Considering that both Muller and assistant coach John MacLean, New Jersey's former head coach last year, possess playing and coaching knowledge within the New Jersey structure, it's not surprising to hear similar words from both sides regarding special teams play - structure, being accountable to one another, and working hard and with instinct.

How each fares against one another in their third of four meetings this season will provide for an entertaining game to watch.

It won't be a surprise if the winning goal by either team will be tallied on the power play or in a man-down situation.

Articles of note: 

Carolina tops Ottawa 2-1 in overtime

John MacLean moving forward with career after dealing with firing by Devils a year ago 

Hedberg to start in net tonight vs, Hurricanes; Tallinder “getting closer”

The Raleigh Sports Examiner on Facebook

Follow the Raleigh Sports Examiner on Twitter @pksport

The Raleigh Sports Examiner - Sports with a Local Twist

Raleigh Sport Examiner - You Tube channel

Senators come into Carolina red-eyed to face upbeat Hurricanes

Staal celebrates vs Ottawa - Phillip McCallum/Getty Images

Word at the RBC Center on Friday morning was that the visiting Ottawa Senators did not get to their hotel in Raleigh, N.C. until 4 a.m. due to sitting on the airport runway as their plane was de-iced after a 4-3 OT win over the Florida Panthers.

Thus, no pre-game skate was on the schedule for the Senators, but the Hurricanes were there with bells on - it is Christmas after all.

After suffering a very tough 4-3 loss at home to the Phoenix Coyotes on Wednesday, the Canes' pre-game skate on Friday was reminiscent of the early days of training camp - energetic, boisterous, and enjoyable.

Watching the tape-to-tape passing, listening to the cheers in burying a rebound opportunity, and the constant interaction amongst coaches and players - all welcome sights and sounds to take in.

Captain Eric Staal took it upon himself following the loss to the Coyotes to claim his responsibility in not getting the job done.

After the pre-game skate on Friday, his attitude and mind was refocused and ready to face the Senators.

"We want to win games, we gotta' climb the ladder," Staal said.

Though the team didn't practice the day following their loss to Phoenix, players and coaches met with the intent to reset their focus.

"We had a good talk with the coaches, and we had a good talk with the players by themselves, so it was a good day to refresh your focus," Staal said. "There's a lot of season left - there's a lot of teams around the .500 mark or just below, so there's no reason we can't go on a few runs and get right back in the mix."

Veteran Chad LaRose echoed Staal's sentiments and pointed out how it was the vocal leaders on the team who are important to how they prepare and play.

"We've got some guys on the team who are talkers and energy guys and you know when they're quiet on the ice, it seems like the team's quiet and low energy," LaRose said. "Today we had some guys yelling and gettin' it going and having some more energy and (everyone) feeling good about going into tonight's game."

For Sens fans in the area taking in the game at the RBC Center, there's no doubt that a little extra sleep will not hurt their team as they are currently riding a three-game win streak.

Not sure if the screams from the Hurricane's pre-game skate woke anyone up at the hotel, but we'll see how bleary-eyed they may be when the puck drops at 7 p.m.

The Raleigh Sports Examiner on Facebook

Follow the Raleigh Sports Examiner on Twitter @pksport

The Raleigh Sports Examiner - Sports with a Local Twist

Raleigh Sports Examiner - You Tube channel

Coyotes stay in the den while Hurricanes stay calm too

Peter Koutroumpis - PKS Consulting LLC

After winning a close 2-1 game Sunrise, Fla. against the Panthers, the Phoenix Coyotes decided not to have a pre-game skate in Raleigh before taking on the Hurricanes.

Carolina reciprocated with no pre-game skate with the exception of healthy scratch Derek Joslin and back-up goalie Justin Peters who worked with coaches Dave Lewis and Tom Barrasso respectively.

Will this strategy work for the Coyotes?

The last time a Western Conference came to town, they ended up losing to the Hurricanes. That was the Vancouver Canucks.

However, the Hurricanes did have a pre-game skate before that game, so it will remain to be seen if rest cures all or just tightens everything up.

Update: 10:03 in the 1st period - Carolina Hurricanes 1, Phoenix Coyotes 1

Update 2:  5:30 remaining in the 2nd period - Carolina Hurricanes 3, Phoenix Coyotes 2

Update 3: 9:31 remaining in the 3rd period - Carolina Hurricanes 3, Phoenix Coyotes 3

Vancouver visits Carolina with bird seed in mind

Roberto Luongo preps for warm-up - Peter Koutroumpis, PKS Consulting LLC

The Carolina Hurricanes return home to host the Vancouver Canucks, the 2011 Stanley Cup finalists on Thursday.

As the Hurricanes finished their pre-game skate and the ice was resurfaced, it was expected that the Canucks would take to the ice next, as most teams do on game day.

After both goaltenders, Cory Schneider and Roberto Luongo, took to the ice, barely any other players joined them for what turned out to be an optional pre-game skate.

Since the Canucks come to Raleigh to play the fourth of their five-game road trip, and following a 2-1 shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday, it is probably safe to assume that a rest was needed.

Why not? The Canucks are 7-2-1 in their last ten games and possess a 9-3-0 record on the season on one day rest.

Not much to worry about and understandably so.

However, earlier in the week, the Canucks' Sedin twins, Daniel and Henrik, were the topic of comments made by Chicago Blackhawks Dave Bolland who referred to them as 'sisters' during a radio interview.

Though Bolland's comments were intended to be taken in jest, Canucks coach Alain Vigneault, provided a less-tactful reaction to them while in Raleigh.

According to the Vancouver Sun's blog, Pass it to Bulis, Vigneault's comments were equally lacking in tact.

Regardless of the quality of Vigneault's comeback to Bolland's comments, it was a little curious that there was no sign of the Canuck's coach for any more pre-game comments before taking to the ice against the Hurricanes.

Puck drops at 7 pm between the Canucks and Hurricanes at the RBC Center.

Recent Carolina Hurricanes Examiner news:

Canucks will face a different Carolina team

The visiting Vancouver Canucks will face a different Carolina Hurricanes team at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. on Thursday night.Just over two weeks ago, the Hurricanes had a different coach in Paul Maurice, were playing a gap...

Carolina drops 2-1 OT decision in Toronto

The Carolina Hurricanes managed to earn a much-needed point but suffered a tough 2-1 overtime loss  to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario on Tuesday.Hurricanes netminder Cam Ward made 36...

Carolina Hurricanes must show more emotion

The Carolina Hurricanes put goaltender Cam Ward on the spot during a 4-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba on Friday night.For the second time in three games, Ward was pulled from...

Hurricanes and Muller break streak with 5-3 win over Oilers

The Carolina Hurricanes broke a seven-game winless streak and gave coach Kirk Muller his first NHL victory by earning a 5-3 decision over the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta on Wednesday.With five different scorers...

Hurricanes’ Staal turns corner in 7-6 loss to Flames

The Carolina Hurricanes extended their winless streak to seven games with a 7-6 loss to the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta on Tuesday night.The Hurricanes have not been able to win a game yet under...

Muller has the right idea as Carolina takes Canadian honeymoon trip

With three games and a handful of practices under his belt, Carolina Hurricanes head coach Kirk Muller has the right idea on how to turn the team around.A 3-2 loss on Saturday night to the Pittsburgh Penguins extended...

Hurricanes’ baby steps come short in 5-3 loss to Rangers

The Carolina Hurricanes suffered another loss, this time it was a 5-3 decision to the New York Rangers at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. on Thursday night.Jiri Tlusty, Jeff Skinner, and Derek Joslin scored for Carolina...

Carolina Hurricanes add coaching depth

The Carolina Hurricanes added another piece to their puzzle behind the bench as President and General Manager Jim Rutherford announced John MacLean would serve as an assistant coach with the team starting on Thursday.On the same day he was...

Hurricanes and Muller debut with 3-1 loss to Panthers

The Carolina Hurricanes started the Kirk Muller era with a 3-1 loss to the Florida Panthers at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. on Tuesday night.Not even a full day after he was introduced as the Hurricanes...

Carolina Hurricanes bring Muller in, send Maurice out

The final puck dropped for Paul Maurice in his role as coach of the Carolina Hurricanes after a 4-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Sunday.The loss left the team in 14th place in the National Hockey League...

The Carolina Hockey Network arrives

Peter Koutroumpis, PKS Consulting LLC

With so many hockey fans, homegrown and transplanted, located in North Carolina, a source for all hockey news is finally here - the Carolina Hockey Network has arrived.

Will this be a destination only for Carolina Hurricanes fans only?

Not necessarily.





Fans of all teams that face the Hurricanes in their current Eastern Conference placement are included:

• Washington Capitals
• Philadelphia Flyers
• Pittsburgh Penguins
• Boston Bruins
• Buffalo Sabres
• Florida Panthers
• Toronto Maple Leafs
• Montreal Canadiens
• New York Rangers
• New York Islanders
• Ottawa Senators
• Winnipeg Jets
• Tampa Bay Lightning
• New Jersey Devils

Be patient

As the site is developed, all relevant links to team and media sites along with reputable team blogs will be included.

Got a suggested site?  Leave a comment below and it will be considered for inclusion.

The Carolina Hockey Network has arrived for all hockey fans living in the mountains, throughout the piedmont and along the the ocean.

Subscribe to the Carolina Hurricanes Examiner