Matt Karash: What to change after game 1? / Preview for home opener

I think Ward's play was mainly a result of being hung out to dry, as you mentioned on your article. It's hard to stop Brian Campbell from ripping an 80+ mph slapshot from the high slot if there's nobody around him. Likewise, it's hard to stop an offensive weapon like Huberdeau when you leave him all alone in front of the net (P.S. is anybody keeping track of how many rookies have scored their first goal against the Canes?). I think Ward will only get better as he gets more games under his belt this season, however, I don't fully expect our defense to improve.

Which brings me to the defense. As of right now I think the only strong pieces are Gleason, Faulk, and Pitkanen on a good night. It's too early to tell with Sanguinetti, but I think he should be playing instead of McBain. Harrison is a lock if he plays the way he did at the end of last season. I don't think Corvo will regain his form, however. I have no clue why Rutherford brought him back, but maybe he'll prove me wrong. I just don't think he has it anymore.

I thought Bowman played good against Florida. He actually surprised me a lot for a fourth liner after everything I've seen from him previously. Dalpe had speed, but didn't contribute much, which can be expected. If he sticks with Skinner and J. Staal, I think we may see the potential that he hasn't displayed thus far. I'm not sold on Boychuk, however. I think he's a bust in terms of a first round pick. I have no clue why Muller put him with E. Staal and Semin other than balancing out the scoring across the three lines. He just doesn't contribute much and turns the puck over a lot in the zone, and I don't think he can translate his success from the AHL to the NHL. Again, prove me wrong, Zach.

Also, I'm really hoping that the game against Florida was a fluke. I can only hope that Ward regains some form after an extended offseason, that the defense stops leaving him out to dry, and that the offense comes together. I think the latter is the most realistic at this point.

Go Canes!

Can I just say Sutter is better than advertised... I think Jordan will be Great in Carolina but I don't see a huge drop off from Staal. Though it has only been 2 games.

Can I just say Sutter is better than advertised... I think Jordan will be Great in Carolina but I don't see a huge drop off from Staal. Though it has only been 2 games.
- lloyd095

Sutter is outstanding and one of the most underrated players in the league. You guys have a great defensive forward now.

Can I just say Sutter is better than advertised... I think Jordan will be Great in Carolina but I don't see a huge drop off from Staal. Though it has only been 2 games.
- lloyd095

I think the difference will be offensively. Unless Sutter develops offensively, I think Sutter tops out at something like 45 points whereas the hope is that JStaal is more like 60-70. But for Pittsburgh, Sutter is absolutely a perfect fit as long as Malkin, Crosby and any collection of wings with any kind of finishing ability are healthy. By no means was Sutter traded because he wasn't wanted or appreciated in a Canes uniform. It was simply that to get a player like Staal, you have to give something real up, not just a collection of picks and prospects.

He is a class act too, so I (and I think almost all Canes fans) wish him the best except when he plays us.

I think the difference will be offensively. Unless Sutter develops offensively, I think Sutter tops out at something like 45 points whereas the hope is that JStaal is more like 60-70. But for Pittsburgh, Sutter is absolutely a perfect fit as long as Malkin, Crosby and any collection of wings with any kind of finishing ability are healthy. By no means was Sutter traded because he wasn't wanted or appreciated in a Canes uniform. It was simply that to get a player like Staal, you have to give something real up, not just a collection of picks and prospects.

He is a class act too, so I (and I think almost all Canes fans) wish him the best except when he plays us.
- CarolinaMatt63

That goes for Staal too. It Sucks to hear that Staal wanted to go, but to play with your brother everyone can understand. He's a little streaky but he has had periods where he was the best center on our team. I think he will score 30+ every season but never a huge assist guy. My favorite player come playoff time.

Sutter is just so physical and on faceoffs just a beast. Not sure what we will get on offense but he has been one of the best players through 2 games.