GDT: Colorado @ Carolina

[Tony1028]

attendance usually doesn't pick up until after Thanksgiving and into Christmas. If the Canes keep winning, people will come out again.

 

[Joe McGrath]

Two of the five faceoffs Malhotra lost were in the offensive zone that I remember. So worst case scenario he lost 3 defensive zone faceoffs while taking I'm assuming around 12-14. That's incredible.

 

[Joe McGrath]

When both goalies come back Peters doesn't have to clear waivers does he? Isn't that how emergency call ups work?

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

Amazing that Skinner is still tied for the team lead in points after missing 8 of 18 games.

 

[Ole Gil]

I'm sure other GM's will have video that shows Peters repeatedly giving up rebound straight into the slot at the craziest rate I've ever seen. Nobody is going to pick him up.

When the weather shifts from nice to cold and rainy, the initial shock keeps some people away.

I still disagree with Ruutu. I think his playmaking continues to be some of the best on the team, and when he's passing to Skinner instead of Terry or Nash, I think he's going to be a part of a lot of scoring chances.

All year, it's looked like the team wasn't quite on the same page. Last night, answered the questions "What would happen if we actually connected on a few of the passes, or acted like anyone had any idea what the other was doing. It's the one thing holding back the top line, I think. They just seem out of sync, compared to last year when they were operating telepathically.

 

[geehaad]

I still disagree with Ruutu. I think his playmaking continues to be some of the best on the team, and when he's passing to Skinner instead of Terry or Nash, I think he's going to be a part of a lot of scoring chances.

Maybe, but he certainly didn't fare any better while playing with EStaal and Semin.

 

[bluedevil58*]

Ruutu is actually coming around. He looked pretty good last night.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

Maybe, but he certainly didn't fare any better while playing with EStaal and Semin.

Very true, but nobody else really has either.

 

[geehaad]

Very true, but nobody else really has either.

I respectfully disagree. I think Tlusty, even in the rut that he is in (or return to previous futility, depending on your view), has looked far better than Ruutu all year. Every game.

Here's the test: name 3 forwards who have performed at a lower level than Ruutu this year. Westgarth, definitely. It gets shaky after that...

 

[tarheelhockey]

I still disagree with Ruutu. I think his playmaking continues to be some of the best on the team, and when he's passing to Skinner instead of Terry or Nash, I think he's going to be a part of a lot of scoring chances.

Ruutu is actually coming around. He looked pretty good last night.

I don't see it at all. For a guy making what he's making for the next 3 years, he needs to be much better than he has been to date. At this point he's in the Eric Staal range of underachievement, except he's not coming off a fantastic season where he earned some benefit of the doubt.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

I respectfully disagree. I think Tlusty, even in the rut that he is in (or return to previous futility, depending on your view), has looked far better than Ruutu all year. Every game.

Here's the test: name 3 forwards who have performed at a lower level than Ruutu this year. Westgarth, definitely. It gets shaky after that...

Oh I'm not defending Ruutu at all as I think he hasn't looked very good in the games I've watched and agree Tlusty has looked better (no matter where he played). I was just commenting that with the funk Staal and Semin have been in, I wouldn't put much stock in how Ruutu (or anyone) looked next to them for a couple of games. Staal and Semin have 4 even strength goals between them and for the most part, have played poorly all season.

 

[Ole Gil]

Ruutu isn't the kind of guy who is going to be the best player on a line. He creates some space, and creates opportunity. He's a 2nd scoring line complimentary piece.

But complimenting the skills of Nash and Terry isn't going to get much results. Terry had two pretty great scoring opportunities last night, and came away empty, which is a little worrisome, as finishing is what he's supposed to do. He can't afford to be another Bowman offensively.

 

[GoCanes2013]

I also think Ruutu is SLOWLY improving, but improving nonetheless.

 

[Blueline Bomber]

Even if he's improved, the first thought regarding him in JR's mind should be how to move him.

All this improvement should do is open up possible trade options and make that route more likely than buying him out.

 

[caniac315]

I think last night's victory was courtesy of the gift horse. #nceducationlottery

 

[tomdundo]

I think last night's victory was courtesy of the gift horse. #nceducationlottery

Not in the mouth!

 

[Blueline Bomber]

Remember, if you're tired of last minute gifts, but lottery tickets as gifts for your loved ones.

Because nothing says "I put a lot of thought into this" like something you buy at a gas station.

 

[geehaad]

And if you *really* care about them, save them the time and effort by scratching them off and discarding the losers from the gift package.

 

[Vagrant]

Yo mama is so bad at hockey that she's been a healthy scratch for almost the entire season.

Because yo mama is Kevin Westgarth.

--hank

Shots fired.

Something you can't say about Westgarth.

But seriously, I have more ice in my drink than Westgarth has all season.

 

[What the Faulk]

When both goalies come back Peters doesn't have to clear waivers does he? Isn't that how emergency call ups work?

I think there's a 30-day limit. Peters was called up on October 14, so that's about to expire if true. Even if Ward is due back soon, Khudobim isn't.

As far as Ruutu goes, I think when Skinner gets back, that third line will become far more dangerous. And it's something that Terry et al won't be able to replicate.

Nevertheless, Adrian Dater says Ruutu is being shopped.

adater ‏@adater
Scouts from five NHL teams at Avs-Canes game... #repost http://www.sulia.com/my_thoughts/155312ab-5211-43e1-a9e1-68cf54e72ecf/?source=twitter&repost=120 …

They are: Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, Tampa Bay Lightning, Calgary Flames and Washington Capitals.
The Lightning obviously could use another forward, at least for a while. The under .500 Hurricanes, I've heard, are offering Tuomo Ruutu around the league. They would desperately love to move him and his $4.75 million cap hit. In other words, that probably won't happen.

Meanwhile, THN says the 'Canes are considering Michael Cammalleri. Maybe something could be worked out there.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/rumor-roundup-oilers-yakupov-thrust-back-into-trade-talk/

Mike Cammalleri has attracted some attention around the league. After missing the opening seven games with a hand injury, Cammalleri’s has eight goals and 11 points in as many games for the Calgary Flames.

He’s an unrestricted free agent this summer and it’s believed the Flames will try to move him by the March 5 trade deadline. If the talented, but oft-injured, Cammalleri can remain healthy and productive throughout the season he could fetch a decent return for the Flames near the trade deadline.

Sportsnet’s Mark Spector recently reported 10 NHL GMs were keeping an eye on the 31-year-old winger. Most of the GMs could be from low-scoring clubs, like the Nashville Predators, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets.

 

[geehaad]

Salaries...

Cammalleri: $7M (0 years remaining)
Ruutu: $5M (2 years remaining)

Hmm....

 

[tarheelhockey]

Is it even possible that this team could get smaller and softer?

 

[What the Faulk]

Any trade of Ruutu would probably accomplish that. But some what him gone at almost any cost. They could do a lot worse than Cammalleri, who would lead the Hurricanes in goals and points this year.

 

[Wolfpuck]

Salaries...

Cammalleri: $7M (0 years remaining)
Ruutu: $5M (2 years remaining)

Hmm....

I would do it. Ruutu is dead weight, and even if Cammalleri sucks, he can walk this summer.

 

[Joe McGrath]

Any trade of Ruutu would probably accomplish that. But some what him gone at almost any cost. They could do a lot worse than Cammalleri, who would lead the Hurricanes in goals and points this year.

....and missed the first 7 games of the season.