diff --git a/cumulus/src/plugins/alpha/block/block.py b/cumulus/src/plugins/alpha/block/block.py
index cc7637d2..afd877f3 100644
--- a/cumulus/src/plugins/alpha/block/block.py
+++ b/cumulus/src/plugins/alpha/block/block.py
@@ -580,7 +580,6 @@ class Block ( object ):
         self.etesian.getCell().flattenNets( None, Cell.Flags_NoClockFlatten )
         if self.conf.useHFNS: self.etesian.doHFNS()
         self.etesian.place()
-        self.etesian.flattenPower()
         Breakpoint.stop( 100, 'Placement done.' )
         self.etesian.clearColoquinte()
 
@@ -744,8 +743,10 @@ class Block ( object ):
            #if self.conf.useHFNS: self.findHfnTrees()
             break
         if self.conf.useClockTree: self.splitClocks()
-        if self.conf.isCoreBlock:  self.doConnectCore()
         self.spares.removeUnusedBuffers()
+        self.etesian.toHurricane()
+        self.etesian.flattenPower()
+        if self.conf.isCoreBlock: self.doConnectCore()
         status = self.route()
         if not self.conf.isCoreBlock:
             self.addBlockages()
diff --git a/cumulus/src/plugins/alpha/block/spares.py b/cumulus/src/plugins/alpha/block/spares.py
index e3a98a29..d1f4e9d7 100644
--- a/cumulus/src/plugins/alpha/block/spares.py
+++ b/cumulus/src/plugins/alpha/block/spares.py
@@ -774,7 +774,9 @@ class QuadTree ( object ):
         netBuff = self.bOutputPlug.getNet()
         trace( 540, '\tBuffer: {}\n'.format(self.buffer) )
         trace( 540, '\tBuffer output: {}\n'.format(netBuff) )
-        if not self.plugs: return
+        if not self.plugs:
+            trace( 540, '-' )
+            return
         for plug in self.plugs:
             trace( 540, '\t| Leaf: {}\n'.format(plug) )
             trace( 540, '\t| netBuff: {}\n'.format(netBuff) )
diff --git a/cumulus/src/plugins/clocktree.py b/cumulus/src/plugins/clocktree.py
index f5c8c9dd..3e575509 100644
--- a/cumulus/src/plugins/clocktree.py
+++ b/cumulus/src/plugins/clocktree.py
@@ -87,10 +87,11 @@ def scriptMain ( **kw ):
         if editor: editor.refresh()
         etesian = Etesian.EtesianEngine.create( cell )
         etesian.place()
-        etesian.destroy()
         ht.connectLeaf()
        #ht.prune()
         ht.route()
+        etesian.toHurricane()
+        etesian.destroy()
         ht.save( cell )
     except Exception, e:
         helpers.io.catch( e )