1) The Checkers played two really poor games this weekend. They were beaten by two Texas teams that took advantage of several defensive-zone lapses. Scoring one goal in 120 minutes of hockey against two teams that are near the bottom of the conference just isn’t acceptable. The Checkers are far more capable than what they’ve shown in the past week. Let’s see if they respond with a good effort against Chicago. If they come out flat again, then the situation evolves from merely problematic to epidemic.
2) In two games spent in relief of Cam Ward, Michael Murphy hasn’t allowed a goal on 9 shots. While Buffalo has success with Jonas Ehnroth in Buffalo, Dallas with Richard Bachman and Minnesota with Matt Hackett, wouldn’t it be nice to see Murphy get a start with the Canes at some point this season? The argument could easily be made in favor of Murphy being the better goalie to many of his contemporaries who have played time in the NHL as starters.
3) NBC broadcaster Mike “Doc” Emrick was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday. Already in the Hockey Hall of Fame after winning the Foster Hewitt Award, Emrick is considered, rightly so, as the best hockey broadcaster in the world. We all listen and steal from Doc because no one calls a game like he can. Besides all the accolades that can be heaped in his direction, he happens to be one of the most generous and sincere broadcasters in the game. It’s no coincidence he’s from Michigan.
4) We’ve seen a lot of solid goaltenders in the AHL this year, but the single best performance of the season came on Sunday with Jacob Markstrom stopping 44 of 45 shots. This kid was ridiculously good. He moves incredibly well for a 6-foot-6 goalie. Florida has a franchise netminder in Markstrom.
5) People talk about the systems Kirk Muller will employ in Carolina. Does anyone think right now that the Canes “system” or a lack thereof is what’s hurting the team? A technocratic system comprised by Muller isn’t the panacea for Carolina. That team needs an overhaul and I don’t think anyone with the exception of Cam Ward and Jeff Skinner should be safe from a potential trade.
6) I see Chelsea Clinton got a job as a reporter for NBC. It’s always good to know that with enough hard work, determination and good old fashioned luck that people can work their way up the ranks to a top-flight job in journalism. It must have been tough all those years when Chelsea went hungry and she had to pick up the phone and order food from the White House chef.
7) How long before Daryl Sutter is offered the job in Los Angeles. But, will he take it?
8) The World Junior Championship camps have started. Would it be too much to call Jim Rutherford and personally ask if Justin Faulk can be allowed to play for Team USA? I’d like to win it this year. Either way, as long as Canada doesn’t, I’m fine. Last year, the Russian national anthem made its broadcast debut after their comeback gold medal win and I referred to myself as Jason Shayanov during the night. I’d have paid money to see Don Cherry’s reaction as that game ended. He was probably choking Ron MacLean.
9) At this moment, we’re all waiting to see if Justin Peters clears waivers. If the Hurricanes lose him, it will hurt for both the Carolina and Charlotte. He is clearly a game-breaking goalie.
10) Next season, I’d really like to get a Checkers game or two on Fox Sports Carolinas. I think that is the next step for this team.
11) Get well soon, Sidney.
