Bleacher Report - Articles by Josh Clark

Miracles and Heroics, Carolina Hurricanes' 2008-2009 Playoff Run

Josh Clark — Tue, 19 May 2009 11:15:11 -0400

2001-2002, The Carolina Hurricanes reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs only to lose to the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup finals.

Two years out of the play-offs and after the lock-out.

2005-2006, Carolina Hurricanes reach the Play-Offs as a No. 2 seed. Again, they go on to the Stanley Cup Finals, but this time win the Cup for the first time in franchise history in seven games over the Edmonton Oilers.

Once again, Hurricanes miss the playoffs for two consecutive seasons.

2008-2009 playoffs, Carolina Hurricanes are back in the playoffs and currently in the Conference Championship trying to reach the Stanley Cup series for the third time in three playoff appearances.

If you haven't caught by drift, the Hurricanes just need to reach the playoffs in the 21st century so far, and they have a chance to get to the Stanley Cup Finals.

The 2008-2009 Playoffs have been of up-and-downs for the Canes with heroics from the most unlikely of players in Jussi Jokinen and Scott Walker. They have won two series that nobody had expected for them to pull out except for the Caniac Faithful and Barry Melrose who picked the Canes over the Boston Bruins.

In the first round, the Carolina Hurricanes squared off against Martin Broduer and the No. 3 seed Devils. Following a hot finish to the season, the hurricanes made the playoffs and were awarded the sixth seed.

The series was of constant battles with the teams exchanging victories with one another for the first six games. Series was full of heroics with Jussi Jokinen's .2 second goal game winner, Eric Staal's two goals at the end of game seven to pull out a victory over the New Jersey Devil's who were up 3-2 with less than a 1:30 seconds left in the game.

Many people, Including myself figured the Canes would be to worn out to pull out an upset over the Boston Bruins who has the front-runner for the Vezina Trophy, Tim Thomas, and the monstrous defenseman, Zdeno Chara.

As expected, Boston came out with the Victory number one of the second round in the eastern conference playoffs. Then the unexpected happened, The Carolina Hurricanes took control of the series going up three games to one while riding on the back of Clutch-Game performer goalie Cam Ward winning three straight.

Things got testy and I started to believe that the Boston Bruins were going to repeat the series of the Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers when the Rangers went up three games to one and then Washington came back to win the series.

However, the Hurricanes pulled out an Overtime victory when Scott Walker, Who suck-punched Aaron Ward in game six came up huge with a rebound goal over Tim Thomas.

Now, it is the Conference Finals and the Hurricanes are looking for their third Stanley Cup Finals appearance three in playoff appearances and will battle the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Penguins who came up big in game one with a 3-2 victory are hoping to ride the momentum of game one against the Hurricanes, which won't be easy as Carolina has won both series this post-season with the devils and bruins winning game one, and secure their second playoff appearance in as many years.

My prediction, Hurricanes in six. Cam Ward is as clutch as it gets and is 6-0 in playoff series appearances and 4-0 in game sevens. It's hard not to pick a team with that type of Goaltending

Carolina Hurricanes: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Josh Clark — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:24:22 -0400

With the regular season coming to a halting end and a race that could lead once again to the last game of the season for the Carolina Hurricanes, things are beginning to look bright.

The Hurricanes began the season with a rough start and seemed that they were headed for the exact same place as last, the golf course rather than the rink.

The decision to fire Peter Laviolette and rehire Paul Maurice, who was replaced by Laviolette, did not sit well with fans. This was painfully evident when Maurice was booed his first game back with the team, and the fans were right, for a time.

Carolina is now back to the team that they were in 2006 when they won the cup. They are playing team hockey and winning games. Attendance is higher than it has been in three years.

Is this the year they rebound and make it to the playoffs?

My prediction is that the hurricanes will make the playoffs.

With the season leaving most teams with 15 regular season games left, the Carolina Hurricanes have got hot.

After once being in 10th place in the conference, they have moved up to be in the playoffs and the tight race for the eighth spot in the conference. The players that the team needs to perform have begun to perform.

Cam Ward, who has been relatively inconsistent during his time as a starter, has began showing his Conn Smythe form again.

Eric Staal and his reuniting with Eric Cole has also been beneficial. He has finally returned to his performance that helped the Carolina Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup.

All the Hurricanes need to do is ride this wave of performance for 15 more games and they will find themselves in the playoffs, competing with their opponents.

Can the finish the ride?

NHL: Hurricanes Rid Themselves and Hire the One They Fired?

Josh Clark — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 04:18:25 -0500

Many Carolina Hurricane fans booed the head coach that replaced Peter Laviolette, Paul Maurice. The RBC Center hasn't been as empty as the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in almost two years. And what was even worse, The hurricanes got blown out.

Now that I got that out of the way, I'm going to tell you why I believe it was a good idea to bring Maurice back.

My theory is that the Carolina Hurricanes want Ron Francis to coach. Ron Francis has never coached before and I believe that the Carolina Hurricanes brought Maurice in to assume the title of "head coach."

However, if Francis likes to coach and if he does end up taking the role, Maurice can give pointers to Francis during his first year. Francis could learn a lot about coaching from Maurice and it could be helpful if he wants to be the future coach of the Carolina Hurricanes.

The reason they choose Maurice to do the job?

He doesn't need much of a salary. Paul Maurice is still gaining $5,000,000 a year from the Toronto Maple Leafs, the team he was fired from.

The Hurricanes are receiving a coach that could teach a few things to the future coach of this organization, and he's coaching for free! Its starting to make sense now. That is my analysis on why the Carolina Hurricanes brought back the coach that fans believed failed them.

I would also like to say to the Hurricanes who are all about Laviolette. He had one good year with the Canes, which was the Stanley Cup year. Other than that, he hasn't made the play-offs since.

Erik Cole for Joni Pitkanen: Good Trade for the Hurricanes

Josh Clark — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:07:38 -0400

Viewing the Carolina Hurricanes boards lately, I saw a topic on the trade and I was surprised to see how many people did not like this trade. I can see why you would not like it as a Hurricanes' fan as Cole was there for the '02 cup run, won the cup with the team in '06, and went through the thick and thin with the team for six years.

What I have to say may not please Hurricanes' fans, but I have to say it anyways. Get over it.

I keep seeing that Cole has potential and is a great player. Well, he no longer has potential folks. He is into his 30's and in his prime. If he hasn't reached his full potential by now, he never will.

I've also took the time to view the Oilers' boards and even the Flyers' boards which is who he used to play for. They've described Pitkanen as a player who is soft, has an attitude problem, and was made look good by other players around him.

So now that you think I'm not getting anywhere, I'll show you where I'm going.

Cole's Pros

Speedy - Draws lots of penalties
Physical - Not afraid to use his body

Cole's Cons

Seems to take plays off at times
Hasn't reached expectations

Pitkanen's Pros

Offensive minded defenseman and moves the puck well
Can get back if he needs to

Pitkanen's Cons

Soft
Has had an attitude at times

Reasons why Canes received better Deal

Cole is still not at his prime and is in his prime.
Cole is getting older and will be losing touch soon.
Pitkanen is young and has tremendous upside still left.
Pitkanen will be kept in check by close friend Ruutu (both are from Finland).
Canes upgraded their defense tremendously and didn't lose anything with their offense as Ruutu can handle Erik Cole's role.
Pitkanen, unlike Cole, still has potential.

As you can above, there are more than just a couple reasons why the Canes got a better deal. Now we still have to see how things go for both players, but right off the bat the Canes got what they needed by not really losing anything. The Canes got themselves another strong player who will be a dominant No. 1 defenseman in the near future.

A Cinderella Story: Fresno States Defeats Georgia In The College World Series

Josh Clark — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:32:54 -0400

Well, After a great year of College Baseball it has officially come to an end.

A year where the two-year defending champions Oregon State did not even make a regional, a year where the Arkansas Razorbacks yet again miss out on the Super Regional, and a year where the Under Dog comes out on top.

The College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska came to an astonishing end when the team with an RPI of 89 (Fresno State) comes out on top taking down Miami, UNC, Florida State, Georgia, Stanford, LSU, and Rice.

How did this team of under dogs do it?

With sheer hitting and timely pitching. The Fresno State Bull Dogs destroyed the opposition with it's hitting. They were dynamite with their bats working.

Their pitching was picture perfect, showing poise and ability to keep the Bull Dogs in the lead.

The Bull Dogs also overcame a more mighty foe in the Georgia Bull Dogs.

This team played in the extremely competitive conference known as the SEC, arguably the best conference in College Baseball, who lost in their first two games in the 2008 SEC Baseball Tournament.

Fresno State took one on the chin, losing in the CWS opener to Georgia but then battled back to take the Series to one-one.

With clutch hitting, Fresno State got to throw their gloves and hats in the air as they were able to beat Georgia six-one in the deciding game.

I must say, I am still shocked and am happy to say it was a great year for College Baseball. We now must wait till next June to see who will win the College World Series for the 2009 season.

My Prediction: LSU Tigers.

MLB Instant Replay: It's Time To Start Living in the Present

Josh Clark — Sat, 24 May 2008 04:44:56 -0400

After two weeks of frustration with home runs, I personally think the "experimenting" with instant reply should be starting a little bit early.

I was sitting in my house, watching SportsCenter, and I noticed that the umpires have blown about five home run calls in the last two weeks, followed by most of the teams' managers being thrown out for arguing.

That's when I came to the conclusion that it is time for the MLB to start living in the present.

Seriously, what do you have to lose?

You don't have to use the instant reply on balls and strikes, or plays at the bases. You don't have to use instant reply on diving catches in the outfield. You just have to use the instant reply on home runs.

Everyday I turn on SportsCenter, and I hear about blown calls over and over and over again. And quite frankly, I am tired of it.

So, MLB, get over yourself and start living in the present. Use the instant replay system for home runs.

NHL: Why the Carolina Hurricanes Didn't Make the Playoffs

Josh Clark — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 16:07:27 -0400

The 2006 season was a dream season for the Carolina Hurricanes, two years later they have yet to relive the hype of just making the play-offs. The team seems to not know how to win in the clutch.

The Carolina Hurricanes dominated the South Eastern conference for all but 16 days. Before there loss to the Florida panthers the Carolina Hurricanes hadn't suffered 2nd place in the division for all but 15 games.

Could it be the Canes needed their leader? Or could it be Cam Ward didn't stand on his head when he needed to? Could it be the collapse in defense against the Florida Panthers?

All those could have been the reason and nobody will know.

What strikes to me is the Canes have the stretch leadership. They have Bret Hedican, Eric Staal, all these players who have had experience down the stretch but when it counted nobody seemed to step up.

Now, Cam Ward wasn't stellar last night. The Canes put there effort and if Cam Ward stopped just to shots which he could have made, Both the break aways, The Carolina Hurricanes would be in the Play-Offs. His weaknesses were exploited to the maximum. Breakaways, which lead to two goals, and all four goals were high-stick side.

The Canes also did not capitalize. They had 44 shots on goal, two five on 3's, and only were able to tally 3 goals? Where's Eric Staal, He did get a goal, one of the best game clinching goal scorers?

The Canes also had 18 minutes in penalties and none on the penalty kill. How do you only score two goals on the power play in 18 minutes?

The Canes had the effort it seemed but they just could not finish.

The Canes now have to go through a tough of-season where they have to resign players such as Sergei Samsonov, Ruutu, Ward, etc. Those are big name players for this Canes team.

It will be interesting to see how the off-season goes and what will happen next year.

Should the NHL Ditch the Shootout?

Josh Clark — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:14:55 -0400

Following a lockout season, the NHL looked at solutions on how to get fans back into the teams arenas, one solution was the shootout.

Now, I'm all for shootouts as at the game, it brings an atmosphere that is undeniable and gives you shocks every time the opposing team even stick handles even if he is at the blue line.

But is the shootout only testament of a player’s skill?

You can propose many factors that may count both ways. One factor may be that it happens during games most of the time, therefore, it should be allowed. Another factor may be that skilled players are the only ones that are out during a shootout.

If NHL games were allowed to end in a tie, would games be as fun to go to if they did reach overtime? Or would it be boring knowing that with the chance of a shootout it is done with?

Is it even fair for a team with a less powerful lineup that mainly used speed and hard-nosed hockey to get by? How fair is to for a goalie to have all the pressure on him?

What do you think?

Are you for the shootout, or are you against it?

Evgeni Malkin or Alexander Ovechkin: Who Do You "Hart" More?

Josh Clark — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:14:43 -0400

With the NHL Season nearing the end of its season, who does the league "Hart" more—Evgein Malkin or Alexander Ovechkin?

As it seems to this point, Malkin and Ovechkin will be the two contenders for the Hart Trophy also known as NHL League MVP and the most prized award in any sport (not all sports call it Hart if I had you thinking that way).

Ovechkin had one of the most satisfying years in league history. He tied the scoring record in a year for a player on the left wing when he notched 63 (Luc Robitaille 1992-93). Ovechkin also achieved over 100 points, wow.

But, does that put him ahead of Malkin?

Malkin did most of his work without team leader, Sidney Crosby. Malkin was leading the league in points at a point in the season, but was soon overtaken by Alexander the Great.

If I was the voter, I would probably have Ovechkin winning the Hart, but I'm not. So, who do you guys think should win the Hart Trophy?

NFL 2008 Draft: Revamped

Josh Clark — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:04:21 -0400

You've all seen my first draft. Now, I intend to improve it with a new REVAMPED draft!

My drafts cover the top six picks in this years upcoming draft covering the Miami Dolphins to the New York Jets at the sixth pick. Please give me all you comments so I can make my draft better in the future!

So, The Draft Beings:

No. 1 Miami Dolphins—Chris Long, DE Virgina

Obviously the best defensive player in this years draft should go to the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins were not strong on defense last year and Chris Long should help improve the Dolphins defense.

No. 2 St. Louis Rams—Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU

Glenn Dorsey is an master at destroying the offenses game plan last year at LSU. Glenn Dorsey could be a quick fix to the St. Louis Rams defense

No. 3 Atlanta Falcons—Jake Long, OT Michigan

After aquiring Micheal Turner through free agency I'd look for the Atlanta Falcons to improve their offensive line by drafting Jake Long. Jake Long could help open up the Running game for the Atlanta Falcons.

No. 4 Oakland Raiders—Sedrick Ellis, DT USC

The Oakland Raiders were horrid against the run last year finishing in 30th only in front of the Miami Dolphins. With that in mind it seems the Raiders would like to clog the middle with Sedrick Ellis to minimize the opponents running game. The raiders with ninth in the league in pass defense. If they fix there defense run stopping game look for a very good defense from the Raiders this year!

No. 5 Kansas City Chiefs—Matt Ryan, QB Boston College

With one of the strong running backs in the league, and no reliable QBs, look for the Kansas City Chiefs to take Matt Ryan, possibly the only franchise QB in the draft other than Brian Brohm

No. 6 New York Jets—Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas

Just like last time, The Jets seemed to revamped their OL for the possible taking of Darren McFadden. If he's not there you still have Thomas Jones and can take Vernon Gholston.

Please post all your feedback. Every week or so I like to update my drafts with the notes posted by the users.

Why the Carolina Hurricanes Will Make the Playoffs

Josh Clark — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:57:59 -0400

The Carolina Hurricanes are in a very tough position now after losing to the Washington Capitals. But the Carolina Hurricanes will make the playoffs, and I'm here to tell you why.

The Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup playoffs back in 2006 but the following year failed to reach the playoffs. The team is in a position to fail to make the playoffs again however. The Reason this will not happen is leadership and experience.

The Carolina Hurricanes unlike the Washington Capitals are an very experienced team. The Hurricanes have veterans in Bret Hedican, Niclas Wallin, Sergei(sp?) Samsonov, and Ray Whitney. Follow that up with young stars in Tumo Ruutu and Eric Staal you have a team that is well rounded and can put the puck in the net. The Hurricanes also have a very good coaching staff that have a lot of experience in the league with even future NHL players!

The Hurricanes also have great leadership. Hurt Captain Rod Brind' Amour is a great leader. You have players stepping into the leadership position in Eric Staal and being clutch when he is needed to. You have The Wizard aka Ray Whitney who has played in a lot of play-off games. The Canes also have Scott Walker. Scott Walker is to me the Energizer Bunny on the team. He scraps, he works hard, he never stops working and gets the Carolina Hurricanes energy back in there step.

With the leadership and experience down the stretch, I don't see an inexperienced team in the Washington Capitals being able to push out the Carolina Hurricanes. If the Hurricanes beat the Tampa Bay Lightning they put themselves against an opponent who they have had success against, The Florida Panthers.

The Hurricanes destiny lies in their own hands. Let's see what they do with it!

Dear NHL, Please Fix Your Checking From Behind Rule!

Josh Clark — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:01:04 -0400

The NHL has been handing out suspensions like candy lately, but none seem to be from behind the back.

Joe Thornton got sent out for 10 games for the same hit Minnesota's Voros put on Eric Staal.

Watch the hit here.

So my question is: What is with the NHL's check from behind rule?

It seems like the player has to get hurt for it to be called, which is totally ridiculous. In every game players are getting cross-checked or checked from behind. It seems like the NHL wants people getting hurt.

The NHL needs to open it's eyes and fix the rule. If the rule states that a hit from behind—hitting somebody when their number is facing you—it's a penalty. Then the penalty should be called for a check from behind.

Every other rule is called but this one, and it is going to leave somebody seriously hurt or even worse paralyzed, as Erik Cole almost was.

So NHL, unless you want a player getting paralyzed and their life put into ruins, fix your rule and call the penalty as it is!

Why the Dallas Cowboys Will Not Trade Up to Take Darren McFadden

Josh Clark — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 07:14:53 -0400

Jerry Jones has made it very clear that he likes Darren McFadden. However, he won't trade up to draft the Arkansas running back because of his aging star recievers.

Terrell Owens has been one of the best recievers in the NFL but is getting older.

He's slower, he's been hurt a lot, he's just not the 28 year Terrell Owens anymore. He will be retiring soon.

Terry Glenn is 33 years old and only has 2-3 seasons left in him unless he pulls a Roger Clemens and never decides to retire. That could hurt the Cowboys and put a lot more pressure on still young QB Tony Romo.

So what are the Cowboys to do? Draft a reciver or two!

There are plenty of recievers that can make it in the NFL and be as good of producers as TO or TG.

Limas Sweed out of Texas would be a very good pick up for the Cowboys.

The Mortage is also to high for a trade up.

This clearly makes it fit to me that Jerry Jones will not be trading up to take Darren McFadden.

NHL Southeast Division Looks to Rebuild: Capitals, Thrashers, Panthers, Lightning

Josh Clark — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 05:23:45 -0400

The Southeast Division is one of the worst in the league so far. Well, in three to four years I'll want you to stop complaining and start thinking about how strong the division has become.

Look how far Carolina has come. The Hurricanes had a great season back in '02. They made a run to the Stanley Cup, but lost to a superior foe in the Detroit Red Wings.

In the two years following that loss the team struggled, but with a very good rebuilding period through the lock out, they eventually became the Stanley Cup Champions.

So why can't the other teams do that? Well, the other squads have already started to rebuild.

The Washington Capitals finished 15th or 16th in the Eastern Conference last season. In one year the team improved, and is just four points out of eighth spot in the conference. Look out for the Capitals in the next two years.

The Atlanta Thrashers, who are out of contention this year, have a very strong team but struggled this year. With a high draft pick they can select a very strong player.

Also, this team is young. As they grow up they'll gain more maturity and will soon exhibit power in the league.

The Florida Panthers are another team already out of contention. They have always been an average team, but with high draft picks they could soon follow the Capitals' example and make a run for the conference.

The Tampa Lightning only started to slip after the Stanley Cup. After trading away one of there better players in Richards, they slipped even further.

They have goaltending problems that must be solved, but with a high No. 2 overall draft pick they could pick up a strong player to go along with Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis.

My point here is that the Southeast Division could be a very strong division in years to come. Look for the Capitals and the Hurricanes to wield real power sooner rather than later.

Arkansas Razorbacks: Ready for 2008?

Josh Clark — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:29:57 -0400

The Arkansas Razorbacks are heading into the Season without there top reciever, first and second string runningback. The season so far does not look bright.

Though the Razorbacks did make a couple of KEY signings that could help out the team.

Jarius Wright - WR
Joe Adams - CB
De' Anthony Curtis - RB

All 3 of these players are 4 star recruits who landed at the University of Arkansas and could make an impact.

Here's the scouting report on all 3 of these players.

De' Anthony Curtis - RB

De' Anthony Curtis has great Break Away Speed and can change his direction very quickly.

Curtis runs with patience and does a nice job of letting his blockers set things up for him. When he sees daylight he shows a good burst. In the open field Curtis is a huge threat because he’s so difficult to bring down because he can blow by you with his great speed, run through you with his power or make a cut or move utilizing his vision and quickness. Curtis can run between the tackles effectively or take it out wide.

-Scout.com

Curtis ran for 568 yards and 11 touchdowns. He earned all-state, All-Conference, and Class 5A SW Back of the Year Honors.

Jarius Wright - WR

Wright finished his junior season with 51 catches for 1086 yards and 15 touchdowns. He claims to have a 30-inch vertical jump.

Joe Adams - CB

As a junior, Adams racked up 882 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns, 632 yards receiving and another 9 touchdowns and and additional 590 return yards with a score. 27 total TDs scored; he reports a 39-inch vertical jump.

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These are the top recruits at this point for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team.

Look for Arkansas to make a pretty good run and be better than last season because of coaching!

Joe Girardi: Yankee Manager's Philosophy May Lead to Success

Josh Clark — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:01:37 -0400

Joe Torre was very succesful, as everybody knows, at being the manager for the New York Yankees. He was rather nice to the veterans, giving them the better chance at starting.

For Joe Girardi, You have to earn it.

Joe Girardi is a "you earn the spot" type of guy. Most MLB managers are, but he doesn't favor.

After being cut loose by the Florida Marlins with issues with the front office, Joe Girardi still won the NL Manager of the Year award and is now the New York Yankees manager.

Yankee veterans have come in better conditioned than they did during Torre's 12 year stint with the Yankees.

He doesn't favor players, which could lead to more wins, players being able to go further throughout the year, and less fatigue.

If your top players can play longer, you have a very good chance of winning. Also, when your less tired, you play better, which will lead to the Yankees winning more.

The rest of the league needs to watch out for the Yankees, as they're better than last years team.