Ben Case: Canes Scoring Woes and Issues Winning Games in the Third Today, we are going to look at what has been the Achilles Heel for a majority of the Canes season up to this point. When I began looking at this the first week of December, the Canes had two major issues—scoring and playing with lead/tied and finishing the game.

It's a pitty you guys couldn't get Eric Staal for 3.5

Still wondering about the logic to resign Cam instead of looking for a new goaltending solution in the offseason...

It's a pitty you guys couldn't get Eric Staal for 3.5

Still wondering about the logic to resign Cam instead of looking for a new goaltending solution in the offseason...
- Flamin_Irishmin

I agree that Staal could've been nice to have back, especially given how young the Canes are. He would provide the net front presence the Canes have desperately needed this year.

As for Ward, I think it was less about signing him back and more about how weak the free agency market for goalies was this past summer. In fact, the market was absolutely abysmal and basically every option would have been a downgrade in net IMO-Here's who is on Sportrac as available in the summer of 2016: http://www.spotrac.com/nh...ents/2016/goaltender/ufa/.

The only goalie on there worth 2 cents was Reimer and even he isn't close to a real starter in the NHL. After signing Ward previously to a long-term contract, I don't think GM Francis was willing to do another one and Reimer signed for 5 years, $17M. Also hurting movement probably was the NHL expansion draft, as there was little goalie movement and the price was relatively high for say a "Frederik Anderson."

I honestly think that GM Francis is playing it patient/safe and is waiting for this summer to bring someone else in probably-the market is much better with UFA names like Miller, Bernier, Bishop, Mason, Johnson, Elliot, Neuvirth, Kuemper being available.

There are 28 UFA goalies available next summer as of now, and 45 RFA ones. The RFA ones also have some interesting names with the most notable probably being Lehner, Subban, Hellebuyck, Stolarz, Korpisalo, Gudlevskis and Grubauer.

Another aspect was I think the Canes wanted to see how 20-year old goalie, Alex Nedeljkovic did in his first season pro before rushing to bring someone in to take Ward's crown (Lack is absolutely horrible, so yes, it is Ward's mantle to lose). Unfortunately for the Canes, he looks like he is a few years away from being considered "NHL ready."http://www.eliteprospects.../player.php?player=135425

I agree that Staal could've been nice to have back, especially given how young the Canes are. He would provide the net front presence the Canes have desperately needed this year.

As for Ward, I think it was less about signing him back and more about how weak the free agency market for goalies was this past summer. In fact, the market was absolutely abysmal and basically every option would have been a downgrade in net IMO-Here's who is on Sportrac as available in the summer of 2016: http://www.spotrac.com/nh...ents/2016/goaltender/ufa/.

The only goalie on there worth 2 cents was Reimer and even he isn't close to a real starter in the NHL. After signing Ward previously to a long-term contract, I don't think GM Francis was willing to do another one and Reimer signed for 5 years, $17M. Also hurting movement probably was the NHL expansion draft, as there was little goalie movement and the price was relatively high for say a "Frederik Anderson."

I honestly think that GM Francis is playing it patient/safe and is waiting for this summer to bring someone else in probably-the market is much better with UFA names like Miller, Bernier, Bishop, Mason, Johnson, Elliot, Neuvirth, Kuemper being available.

There are 28 UFA goalies available next summer as of now, and 45 RFA ones. The RFA ones also have some interesting names with the most notable probably being Lehner, Subban, Hellebuyck, Stolarz, Korpisalo, Gudlevskis and Grubauer.

Another aspect was I think the Canes wanted to see how 20-year old goalie, Alex Nedeljkovic did in his first season pro before rushing to bring someone in to take Ward's crown (Lack is absolutely horrible, so yes, it is Ward's mantle to lose). Unfortunately for the Canes, he looks like he is a few years away from being considered "NHL ready."http://www.eliteprospects.../player.php?player=135425
- BenCase

Great answer sir!!! Thank you!

FYI we're keeping Johnson, so you can scratch him off your list.

I agree that Staal could've been nice to have back, especially given how young the Canes are. He would provide the net front presence the Canes have desperately needed this year.

As for Ward, I think it was less about signing him back and more about how weak the free agency market for goalies was this past summer. In fact, the market was absolutely abysmal and basically every option would have been a downgrade in net IMO-Here's who is on Sportrac as available in the summer of 2016: http://www.spotrac.com/nh...ents/2016/goaltender/ufa/.

The only goalie on there worth 2 cents was Reimer and even he isn't close to a real starter in the NHL. After signing Ward previously to a long-term contract, I don't think GM Francis was willing to do another one and Reimer signed for 5 years, $17M. Also hurting movement probably was the NHL expansion draft, as there was little goalie movement and the price was relatively high for say a "Frederik Anderson."

I honestly think that GM Francis is playing it patient/safe and is waiting for this summer to bring someone else in probably-the market is much better with UFA names like Miller, Bernier, Bishop, Mason, Johnson, Elliot, Neuvirth, Kuemper being available.

There are 28 UFA goalies available next summer as of now, and 45 RFA ones. The RFA ones also have some interesting names with the most notable probably being Lehner, Subban, Hellebuyck, Stolarz, Korpisalo, Gudlevskis and Grubauer.

Another aspect was I think the Canes wanted to see how 20-year old goalie, Alex Nedeljkovic did in his first season pro before rushing to bring someone in to take Ward's crown (Lack is absolutely horrible, so yes, it is Ward's mantle to lose). Unfortunately for the Canes, he looks like he is a few years away from being considered "NHL ready."http://www.eliteprospects.../player.php?player=135425
- BenCase

Few goalies might be available for cheap trade as well. Halak instantly comes to mind (cap reasons).

I agree that Staal could've been nice to have back, especially given how young the Canes are. He would provide the net front presence the Canes have desperately needed this year.

As for Ward, I think it was less about signing him back and more about how weak the free agency market for goalies was this past summer. In fact, the market was absolutely abysmal and basically every option would have been a downgrade in net IMO-Here's who is on Sportrac as available in the summer of 2016: http://www.spotrac.com/nh...ents/2016/goaltender/ufa/.

The only goalie on there worth 2 cents was Reimer and even he isn't close to a real starter in the NHL. After signing Ward previously to a long-term contract, I don't think GM Francis was willing to do another one and Reimer signed for 5 years, $17M. Also hurting movement probably was the NHL expansion draft, as there was little goalie movement and the price was relatively high for say a "Frederik Anderson."

I honestly think that GM Francis is playing it patient/safe and is waiting for this summer to bring someone else in probably-the market is much better with UFA names like Miller, Bernier, Bishop, Mason, Johnson, Elliot, Neuvirth, Kuemper being available.

There are 28 UFA goalies available next summer as of now, and 45 RFA ones. The RFA ones also have some interesting names with the most notable probably being Lehner, Subban, Hellebuyck, Stolarz, Korpisalo, Gudlevskis and Grubauer.

Another aspect was I think the Canes wanted to see how 20-year old goalie, Alex Nedeljkovic did in his first season pro before rushing to bring someone in to take Ward's crown (Lack is absolutely horrible, so yes, it is Ward's mantle to lose). Unfortunately for the Canes, he looks like he is a few years away from being considered "NHL ready."http://www.eliteprospects.../player.php?player=135425
- BenCase

What?

Eric Staal was never a "Net Front Presence" at any point in his career. He still isn't. While he's still a great player, it's plain to see that the baggage from years of carrying this team by himself were weighing on him, and that they would have continued to do so if he stayed.

The players here deferred to him in all things, all the time, and it was a hindrance for everyone, including Eric.

He's better off in Minnesota, and I'm happy for him. He did more for this franchise than should ever be asked of a player. But he could not come back. Not for a few years, anyway.

Few goalies might be available for cheap trade as well. Halak instantly comes to mind (cap reasons).
- Wildschwein

It's not worth it right now.

A different goalie isn't going to be the difference between the playoffs or not. Let the kids learn to play and take control of the team. Plug in Nedeljkovic when he's ready, or find someone else when you're ready to make the postseason and Ned's not ready.

For now, stay cheap and stay with the guy that's not an ideal starter, but by all accounts a tremendous teammate. Loyalty has to count for something too.

What?

Eric Staal was never a "Net Front Presence" at any point in his career. He still isn't. While he's still a great player, it's plain to see that the baggage from years of carrying this team by himself were weighing on him, and that they would have continued to do so if he stayed.

The players here deferred to him in all things, all the time, and it was a hindrance for everyone, including Eric.

He's better off in Minnesota, and I'm happy for him. He did more for this franchise than should ever be asked of a player. But he could not come back. Not for a few years, anyway.
- BINGO!

I am definitely happy to see him finding his stride again in Minnesota. However, we will have to disagree on his effectiveness around the net. In fact, according to TSN and an article on the best players around the net looking at rebound shots over the past 4 seasons and Eric Staal was ranked 9th:
http://www.tsn.ca/the-val...t-front-presence-1.526616

I will agree that he may not be the best in front of the net, but he certainly would do better than a majority of the guys on the team who would prefer to stand on the side of the goal-post and are afraid to get roughed up in front.

I think losing and how central his role was in Carolina with little help wore him down. Honestly, I think bringing in his brother was a compromise to make him happier and prevent him from asking for a trade sooner.

I am definitely happy to see him finding his stride again in Minnesota. However, we will have to disagree on his effectiveness around the net. In fact, according to TSN and an article on the best players around the net looking at rebound shots over the past 4 seasons and Eric Staal was ranked 9th:
http://www.tsn.ca/the-val...t-front-presence-1.526616

I will agree that he may not be the best in front of the net, but he certainly would do better than a majority of the guys on the team who would prefer to stand on the side of the goal-post and are afraid to get roughed up in front.

I think losing and how central his role was in Carolina with little help wore him down. Honestly, I think bringing in his brother was a compromise to make him happier and prevent him from asking for a trade sooner.
- BenCase

But.... that's what he did... he stood at the side of the net and swung his stick at the puck, the same as his brother does for the most part.

Great answer sir!!! Thank you!

FYI we're keeping Johnson, so you can scratch him off your list.

- Flamin_Irishmin

After the goalie woes the Flames have had since Kipper retired, it is nice to see them getting some reliable and consistent goaltending. I'm glad to see Johnson playing so well too. He had pretty decent stats coming into CGY and showed that he appears to be capable of at least a .920 save % or above.

My one question on him other than him being 30 is the amount of sample size at the NHL level (109 starts over 7 NHL seasons). The difference between playing 60 games at a consistent quality and 20-30 though is vastly different. The wear and tear physically and mentally is always tough to account for, especially when you start adding travel and consistent playing time.

It'll be interesting to see how he does in a legitimate starter role if the Flames fully give him the reins-which granted, it looks like they are starting to do more and more. Hopefully, Flames management is smart and doesn't give him too long of a term or salary. I'd think 2-3 years at around $3M would make both sides happy.

But.... that's what he did... he stood at the side of the net and swung his stick at the puck, the same as his brother does for the most part.
- BINGO!

J. Staal does a decent job on the PP in front, but I agree he isn't as aggressive in 5v5 situations. I wouldn't be against trying a SJS and turn a D to F for the PP like what they did with Burns. Slavin isn't afraid to get his noise dirty and has some seriously good hand-eye.

Hopefully, if the Canes can win some more, guys will be more willing to take beatings in front. When you're close to last, as long as the paycheck comes in, most guys aren't willing to take the physical abuse in front.

What's the zone start % in the 3rd? Seems like the leads we blow in the 3rd coincide with poor puck possession. I like the adjustments made headed into the 2nd, but we're outmaneuvered going into the 3rd too often.