UNHERALDED CRAIN GETS SHOT IN CAROLINA
Carolina
When the Hurricanes made the deal that picked up banger winger Matt Bradley and a first rounder, many lessened the importance of defenseman Jason Crain, citing he was simply a throw in. The Canes brass have re-evaluated the speedy defender and think they may have uncovered somewhat of a gem.
"Jason is a slick playmaker and he really seems to see the ice well," said head coach Joel Quenneville. "We were out in practice and it just seemed to me that this kid really got what we were saying. I threw him on the power play with Mattias just to see what was happening and it looked good. He will be there tonight."
Crain, 26, a former Ohio State Buckeye, was a former third round selection of the Kings back in 1999. The slick defender already has put up a remarkable 22 points, one higher than both Mattias Ohlund and Matt Bradley, the two players who's name appear in most of the articles.
"A guy like me just wants the chance to play important minutes," said Crain. "There are a lot of talented defensemen on this team and getting a chance to play out there means a lot to me. I will do my best out there to keep playing, that is for sure."
The decision to put Crain in early came easily to Quenneville who noted the stupidity of forward Scott Parker and defenseman Derek Meech in last nights contest as giving him the opportunity to play.
While Crain will see ample power play time, it appears he will not crack any of the top 3 defensive pairings just yet. Ohlund will be playing along side Jay McKee, the talented Woywitka and Colaiacovo tandem and the Bell and Eminger duo will both remain intact for this evenings game.
"The ball is in my court to prove I belong here," said Crain. "I have been in this situation before and I plan to make the most of it."
When the Hurricanes made the deal that picked up banger winger Matt Bradley and a first rounder, many lessened the importance of defenseman Jason Crain, citing he was simply a throw in. The Canes brass have re-evaluated the speedy defender and think they may have uncovered somewhat of a gem.
"Jason is a slick playmaker and he really seems to see the ice well," said head coach Joel Quenneville. "We were out in practice and it just seemed to me that this kid really got what we were saying. I threw him on the power play with Mattias just to see what was happening and it looked good. He will be there tonight."
Crain, 26, a former Ohio State Buckeye, was a former third round selection of the Kings back in 1999. The slick defender already has put up a remarkable 22 points, one higher than both Mattias Ohlund and Matt Bradley, the two players who's name appear in most of the articles.
"A guy like me just wants the chance to play important minutes," said Crain. "There are a lot of talented defensemen on this team and getting a chance to play out there means a lot to me. I will do my best out there to keep playing, that is for sure."
The decision to put Crain in early came easily to Quenneville who noted the stupidity of forward Scott Parker and defenseman Derek Meech in last nights contest as giving him the opportunity to play.
While Crain will see ample power play time, it appears he will not crack any of the top 3 defensive pairings just yet. Ohlund will be playing along side Jay McKee, the talented Woywitka and Colaiacovo tandem and the Bell and Eminger duo will both remain intact for this evenings game.
"The ball is in my court to prove I belong here," said Crain. "I have been in this situation before and I plan to make the most of it."
posted by Lohaus at 1:25 PM
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