Center of Attention

Center of Attention...

Good Morning! It's a dreary day here in Pittsburgh as the Canes get set to take on the "Crosby-Less" Penguins.

As much as the Pittsburgh sky is cloudy, the Hurricanes situation with Matt Cullen is also murky at best. Cullen, who is out with vision problems which could be a result of a concussion sustained on December 26th in New York, did not travel with the team.  He is out indefinitely. According to my information, he will not travel to Nashville on Monday, so this situation may go way beyond day to day.

The question is how do the Canes compensate for this one? We have talked a lot about the Hurricanes trading for an offensive-minded defenseman...well, they might have to go down another shopping aisle before the deadline on the 26th.

Let's take a look at Cullen and how it effects the team...

Balance of Scoring...

When the Hurricanes have been at their best  this season they've had a balanced scoring attack.

Once they sort out their defensive troubles, this team can stand out among the best when it comes to scoring. That is, only if Matt Cullen anchors the third line. Right now this appears to be an issue. The third line tonight could consist of Cory Stillman (LW), who has been quiet of late, and Andrew Ladd (RW), centered by Trevor Letowski. Letowski will take the place of Jeff Hamilton who centered this line on Thursday night.

Finding a center for this group is vital to the balanced scoring equation. The Brind'Amour line is producing and the Staal line looks very good, but the third line is aching for center support.

After the All-Star break, Peter Laviolette put together what I thought were very well constructed lines. By shifting Walker up to the Staal line, it provided that line with some much-needed grit, which was very evident versus the Rangers. It also moved Stillman back to the left side. Out of necessity, Stillman had been playing on the right side with number 12 prior to the break...never a good spot for number 61. He needs to be on the left side but he has lost his center.

Ladd continues to be a mystery. He gets a pass because he has had his share of injuries, but it would have been nice to see him get substantial minutes with a center like Cullen.

Power Play...

It's obvious that the Canes will feel the loss of Cullen on the power play. Number 8 gives them a quarterbacking option that they really don't have with anyone else. This problem extends back to last season, and the Canes are still addressing this. Without the benefit of a point presence from a defenseman, the Canes go to this option, and when Cullen is healthy it works. The Hurricanes have gone over a month without Cullen back there, and we can all see the difference.

The Solutions...

Out of sight, out of mind might be the best mentality for the Canes to employ as they move forward without a very valuable guy. 

Possible solutions might look like this:

* Jeff Hamilton - Already waived through the league on Thursday, you would think this player would take the "ball "and run with it. His game Thursday was not the greatest, so he did not pass the first test. This player has a high-end skill set but remains a trouble spot at five on five. Hamilton won't start in Cullen's spot tonight, but could find his way back. When he does, he might have just one more chance.

* Trevor Letowski - This could work. Letowski has been a solid pro waiting in the wings for the better part of two seasons as a Hurricane. He has speed and will be defensively responsible, but can he finish the chances? He'll get his chance tonight.

* Keith Aucoin - The Canes might want to look at this option. Aucoin has had a great year in Albany and has acquitted himself well when called up to the big club.  This might be the way they go - they have a month to send Hamilton down since he has cleared waivers. Stay Tuned...

* A Trade - This also might be they way to go. Right now it's tough to say who might be available, and the Canes don't have the luxury of waiting for the deadline.

Cullen could be back soon, or it might be a long while. It's foggy, but the Canes need to find the light through the clouds with or without him!