Matt Karash: My 2 cents on Canes additions + What next?

Matt, dont tell the homers over on the lightning blog that Filpulla is a 3rd line type player.

Matt, dont tell the homers over on the lightning blog that Filpulla is a 3rd line type player.
- Jurco_28

I like Fippula and think he could have been a decent middle of the roster add for the Canes.......................

...wait for it.................

For about half that price.

khudobin was had for a steal. He could end up taking the starter's role. I say that because I hate ward n think he's sh*t, no offence intended

khudobin was had for a steal. He could end up taking the starter's role. I say that because I hate ward n think he's sh*t, no offence intended
- TheNugeIsHuge

Totally agree... Ward is one of the most overrated goalies in the NHL (up there with Miller and MAF)

He is about as inconsistent as it comes.. very spotty... great for a couple games... poop for 10. He has really only had one good year.. maybe 1 and a half.

Totally agree... Ward is one of the most overrated goalies in the NHL (up there with Miller and MAF)

He is about as inconsistent as it comes.. very spotty... great for a couple games... poop for 10. He has really only had one good year.. maybe 1 and a half.
- kneughter

i dont think you know what you are talking about. his defense was terrible....so with bad defense equals goals against. you do the math

i dont think you know what you are talking about. his defense was terrible....so with bad defense equals goals against. you do the math
- jerbear53

Sorry.. for the amount of money he is making.. he is OVERRATED!

He is being paid to be a top goalie... and he isn't one. Has he even been in the top 10 of voting for the vezina.. like ever?

Believe it or not... goalies have been able to do very well in this league despite an average defense in front of them

This should mark the beginning of the end for Ward if it hasn't already started.they'd a few others who should be packing it in right about now as well like MAF,

Ward is an average goaltender, he is given a pass down here mostly because of the cup run, he slips in the occasional great save but mostly his play is average at best. In my opinion he is overpaid for the production he gives you.

I'm not sure anyone would argue he is over paid. Everyone in Carolina is overpaid. Hell, look at their salaries.

However, Cam Ward has been good when he's been healthy. Especially considering how absolutely horrible our defense has been.

In the past 6 years, only 4 of which he was healthy enough to play 50 games or more, he has been in the top 10 in most games played, most minutes, most shots against, and most saves. If that doesn't tell you terrible our defense is or how shallow our backups have been, then there isn't much else I can do for you.

He may not be a top 5 goalie, but he has been a strong work horse for us on a team that provides him no protection and not backup relief. As far as consistency goes, last year he only was able to play 17 games and it was the first season in 5 years that he hasn't had over a .915 sv%.

So, while most reasonable people will agree he is getting paid too much. I'm sure he'd have a lot better stats on other teams more focused on defense or not playing close to 70 games or more a season out of 82....

http://www.hockey-referen...m/players/w/wardca01.html

In the regular season, I would rate Ward as average to slightly above average with the potential to be better. Defense has been a problem for the Canes in recent years which does not help. Last season was telling where Ward did not look very good but once he was injured the goals against ballooned. Is it possible that his not so impressive GAA was actually decent given the team around him?

But here is the thing. In a reasonable amount of action (7 series / 41 games), he has proven to be an elite playoff goalie. He has a Stanley Cup win and Conn Smythe trophy as a rookie when he became better as the pressure became greater. He was also phenomenal in the 2 7-game series upsets against NJ and Bos in 2009.

A few interesting stats:

--He is 6-1 in playoff series. His game record is not as impressive because of the volume of 7-game series that do not rack up winning percentage but are actually more impressive because of the pressure in game 5s, 6s and 7s. In the playoffs the ONLY thing that matters is winning the series and advancing.

--He is a stunning 4-0 in game 7s.

--He is 2-0 in series vs. playoff goalie legend Martin Brodeur.

Come playoff time, I would gladly take my chances with Cam Ward versus most of the unproven goalies who have a better save percentage, GAA or whatever playing on better defensive teams minus the pressure of the playoffs. The issue is that the Canes have not seen the playoffs nearly enough.

Well, now can we get back to the points and details of your blog? (Very good, by the way)
Most of what you say is spot-on, but i differ on a couple things. Rask is, in my mind, NOT ready for prime time! He played a few games in the AHL and then was sent back to juniors! Meanwhile Nash was playing several games here as the 3rd or 4th line ctr. (and holding his own) Lindholm will have to (1st) make the team, and (2nd) show he can play anything more than the 4th line! Going into the season, i'd expect both Nash and Welsh to have a better chance at 3rd or 4th line ctr! ...not saying he won't shine and TAKE the spot, but he's still a rookie...???
As for what JR will do...??? My guess is he'll try to sign another quality forward for less than they are worth (typical JR...LOL)! Grabovski, Morrow, Cleary are at the top of my list...others are Mueller, Antropov, Raymond, Gagne,... Steckel??

Did the Jagr thing really happen?

Did the Jagr thing really happen?
- jsg0173

No, not yet at least. I have a feeling its either him or Morrow that JR was talking about the other day.

i dont think you know what you are talking about. his defense was terrible....so with bad defense equals goals against. you do the math
- jerbear53

look at EDM's defence. Then compare the SV% of Dubey and Ward. Then compare their contracts. Do that math

In the regular season, I would rate Ward as average to slightly above average with the potential to be better. Defense has been a problem for the Canes in recent years which does not help. Last season was telling where Ward did not look very good but once he was injured the goals against ballooned. Is it possible that his not so impressive GAA was actually decent given the team around him?

But here is the thing. In a reasonable amount of action (7 series / 41 games), he has proven to be an elite playoff goalie. He has a Stanley Cup win and Conn Smythe trophy as a rookie when he became better as the pressure became greater. He was also phenomenal in the 2 7-game series upsets against NJ and Bos in 2009.

A few interesting stats:

--He is 6-1 in playoff series. His game record is not as impressive because of the volume of 7-game series that do not rack up winning percentage but are actually more impressive because of the pressure in game 5s, 6s and 7s. In the playoffs the ONLY thing that matters is winning the series and advancing.

--He is a stunning 4-0 in game 7s.

--He is 2-0 in series vs. playoff goalie legend Martin Brodeur.

Come playoff time, I would gladly take my chances with Cam Ward versus most of the unproven goalies who have a better save percentage, GAA or whatever playing on better defensive teams minus the pressure of the playoffs. The issue is that the Canes have not seen the playoffs nearly enough.
- CarolinaMatt63

SO you just need a goalie in the regular season to get you to the playoffs.. and then Ward will take over! Perfect

Just need to find a goalie who can do that making league min...

No, not yet at least. I have a feeling its either him or Morrow that JR was talking about the other day.
- ward30nhl

Actually, i think it was Ryder (who signed w/ NJ) that he was talking about! ...but the blog was about the additions to the team, and what else is needed!
The thing that might improve the team the most ...is a tough two-way forward, if there's one available! Even if JR finds someone who fits that mold, i think one or two of the prospects/ Checkers may be ready to step up and claim a spot on the 3rd or 4th line! i'm looking forward to the training camp to see who's competing for a spot here in Raleigh!