Weekly Report: 10/18

Picture Source: hurricanes.nhl.com

After only eight games into the regular season the Canes are in a good (not great) spot.  Through eight games the Canes are 3-2-3, and have earned 9 points.  This decent record believe it or not has earned second place in the Metropolitan Division.  The Canes are 3 points back from the Pittsburgh Penguins. That being said hockey season is long and there is much room for improvement.  We must improve as I am sure the teams below us in the division will surely get better.

The following are the results of the past eight games:
10/4 DET 3-2 CAR (OT)
10/6 PHI 1-2 CAR
10/8 CAR 2- 5 PIT
10/10 CAR 3-2 WSH

10/11 LA 2-1 CAR (SO)

10/13 PHX 5-3 CAR

10/15 CHI 3-2 CAR (SO)

10/17 CAR 3-2 TOR

The Canes have started this year off on the right foot.  These last few games have been the best we have played in a while, starting with Chicago.  The reason I say these have been great games was our third period play.  For the first few games of the season we were a first period team.  This poses the problem that coming out of the gate strong is good, but by the time the third period rolled around we looked gassed.  However, I don't like coming out flat in the first and progressing as the night goes on.  I would much rather play well all game.  In 2006 when we, *cough* WON THE STANLEY CUP *cough*, we were a third period team.

The Canes are 13.9% on the power play so far and 85.7% on the kill.  Through eight games our penalty kill has been pretty solid.  The power play...not so much.  We have GOT to stop dumping the puck in on the power play.  The "dump and chase" on the power play has clearly not worked.  I would much rather see a shot on goal right into the zone and get an offensive zone face-off.  When we dump the puck in we turn it over and most teams are good enough to clear it right on down to our zone.  The penalty kill has been very solid.  The one thing I would love to see is more hustle and sense of urgency in getting the puck out of our zone.  If you want off the ice for a line change, get to the puck and get it the hell out of the zone.

The Canes have had some decent line chemistry and recently a little shake up.  Recently Tlusty has been moved down to the second line so Ruutu could be on the first.  Dwyer was moved from the second line to the third line and Dvorak to the fourth.  After watching last nights game in Toronto there was some good chemistry, but also a few missed opportunities.  Our new players Gerbe and Dvorak seem to have been the spark this team needed.  Gerbe is one of the most tenacious players I have seen on the team.  Dvorak adds that veteran knowledge and guidance that this team desperately needed.  It will be interesting where Muller goes from here in terms of the forward lines.  After last years fiasco I would have to say the most pleasant surprise so far this year has been defense.  The Faulk and Sekera pairing has been very solid (minus a few boneheaded pinches from Sekera last night), followed closely by Ryan Murphy and Jay Harrison.  That's right folks, Ryan Murphy may just make it as a defensemen in the NHL.  Scoring his first NHL goal last night against the Leafs.  He has amazing skating and puck handling abilities which will surely keep the coaches happy.  The third defensive pairing has switched a few times with Hainsey being locked in and Komisarek and Bellemore playing with him.  Bellemore looked solid the first few games but lately he looks as though he has lost his confidence in passing the puck.  Playing the puck from behind our net has proven to be a challenge some night for this young defensemen.  Like we said the season has just begun and there is room for improvement.

The Canes have had a few injuries unfortunately.  Gleason has been out due to a concussion he suffered in preseason.  Pitkanen is still out for the year (aw shucks...sarcasm).  The most recent injury was suffered by Anton Khudobin.  I think it will be nice to get Gleason back because he is a leader on the team, but my only question is who do you sit?  My guess would be sitting Bellemore and getting Gleason in there, but as I am no coach I guess we will have to wait and see.  I strongly dislike that Khudobin is injured.  I feel like he is as talented of a goalie as Cam Ward and definitely a strong back up goaltender.  With Khudobin hurt Justin Peters steps in as back up to Ward.  It will be interesting to see how much ice time Peters gets (if any).

The player to watch for the first week of the season would have to be Jeff Skinner.  Through eight games he has 2 goals, 6 assists, and a plus/minus of 5.  In addition to his stat sheet he has backed it up with great two way play and, dare I say, a new maturity.  He appears to be a changed player from a year ago.  I haven't seen the temper tantrums after being knocked over.  That's not to say that he has completely matured, but there are definite signs of maturity through these eight games.

The season has only just begun.  The next few months will hopefully reflect a team that has a legitimate shot at the Stanley Cup.  Only time will tell, but for now I say cheer loud and often and always remember..Let's Go Canes!