Wednesday Caterwaul: Panthers GameDay Open Forum

by Donny Rivette on Dec 15, 2010 11:52 AM EST

Who would have dared predict - scarcely beyond a year ago - the BankAtlantic Center would become Carolina's Southern Chamber of Horrors? Six of the Hurricanes' last seven visits have resulted in losses, including the most recent four.

Equally surprising may be that Paul Maurice's troops (12-12-4) have managed only a scant two-point lead over the Panthers (13-15), but don't be lulled into a warm sense of security: Buffalo and Toronto(!) are keeping pace with the 'Canes at 28 points, though ironically Florida has more wins (13), a better goal differential (-1), more road wins (7), and fewer losses past regulation (zero) than all three. Ah, the loser point.

Also: Chip Alexander of the News-Observer is reporting via Twitter that coach Peter DeBoer will be sitting defenseman Dmitry Kulikov this evening, calling Kuli's recent stretch a matter of "tough times". In the six December games so far, the 20 year-old has 1g-1a, +1, and 4 SOG. Not terrible, but it's clear he's not been comfortable.

Live Game Chat at 6pm.

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Comments

Two words, sophomore slump. He’s got to make show some development though. He’s not played terrible most of the time, but Ellerby has outplayed him most of the time he’s been up in my view.

Thankfully, we’ve got enough depth on the blue-line right now.

by badger737 on Dec 15, 2010 12:42 PM EST reply actions

Completely agree. Kuli just doesn’t look “ready” anymore.

by Ryan Meier on Dec 15, 2010 1:13 PM EST up reply actions

He’s actually taken a step backwards. Although, I will bet that many of his defensive issues are related to the forwards not backchecking and helping out enough. just my take. And no I don’t mean Repik.

by The Rat Trick on Dec 15, 2010 1:50 PM EST up reply actions

There was never a point last season when I watched him play and said, “Man he’s a talented, top-four defenseman.”

I think he’s decent, but nothing like Gudbranson will be.

by Ryan Meier on Dec 15, 2010 2:38 PM EST up reply actions

My personal take on him is he wasn’t ready last year and did well considering. That being said, a lot of the defensemen that have been good rookies lately have taken major steps back in year two. We can all hope it’s just a phase for him.

by badger737 on Dec 15, 2010 6:47 PM EST up reply actions

He’ll be back!

Garrett those socks make you look homeless!

by Chris S Roberts on Dec 15, 2010 2:23 PM EST reply actions

He’ll recover, but right now he’s a smaller version of Jay Bow. I was never at a point where i said wow either. problem is, just like many of our picks, he’s not surrounded by anyone that makes him better. And that my friendly peeps, is the problem.

by The Rat Trick on Dec 15, 2010 3:10 PM EST reply actions