CAROLINA HURRICANES

2005-06
Record: 52-22-8, 112 pts (1st in Southeast Div, 2nd in Eastern Conf)

Playoffs:

1st rd Def MTL 4 games to 2
2nd rd Def NJ 4 games to 1
3rd rd def BUF 4 games to 3
4th rd def EDM 4 games to 3, WON STANLEY CUP

Goals For: 286 (3rd overall)
Goals Against: 258 (T-19th overall)

Power Play: 17.9% (16th)
Penalty Killing: 81.8% (T-17th)


2006-07 Preview

Key Additions: G John Grahame (UFA, TB), LW Brad Isbister (UFA, Bos), RW Trevor Letowski (UFA, Clb), D David Tanabe (UFA, Bos), RW Scott Walker (trade from, Nsh)

Key Losses: G Martin Gerber (UFA, Ott), RW Mark Recchi (UFA, Pit), C Doug Weight (UFA, Stl), C Matt Cullen (UFA, NYR), D Aaron Ward (UFA, NYR), C Josef Vasicek (trade to NSH)

RFA left to sign: none


Offense: The emergence of C Eric Staal was a surprise, not that it was unexpected, but earlier than anticipated. He should put up another 100 pt season, and has lots of support on the top two lines. Staal, Rod Brind’Amour, Ray Whitney, Cory Stillman, Justin Williams and a returning Erik Cole make a pretty impressive top 6 that can be mixed and matched at Peter Laviolette’s discretion. Recchi and Weight were the true meaning of rental players as both returned to their previous clubs as free agents, but were instrumental in the Canes’ cup run.

Defense: The Canes proved that you don’t need a superstar stud defenseman who can play 30 minutes a night to win, all you need are six or seven strong defensemen who are all about team. Aaron Ward is out and David Tanabe is in, otherwise the unit is still intact.

Goaltending: Maritn Gerber is gone and John Grahame is in, so that weakens the overall unit, but Cam Ward claimed the starting job based on his incredible playoff run after being thrust into the starting role. Ward had sub-par regular season numbers last year in a back-up role, but will have gained a tremendous amount of confidence based on his playoff run and will attempt to avoid being the next JS Giguere.

THE BIG QUESTION: Simple…Can the Canes repeat? First off, there hasn’t been a back to back champion in 8 years, and it has only been done twice in the last 17. The last time the Canes were in the final (2002) they missed the playoffs altogether the next season. I am not saying they will miss the playoffs, as the roster is too good and so is the coach. They will win the division again, almost by default, and will enjoy a strong playoff run. If GM Jim Rutherford can work some magic at the trade deadline again, they could even make the finals once again. Or maybe the playoff run last year took too much out of them and the Stanley Cup hangover jumps up and gets them.

Synopsis: The Canes can coast through the regular season knowing they won't miss the playoffs, in the worst division in the Eastern Conference. They don't have to go all out, they can bide their time and be ready to rev it up for the playoffs as one of the top 3 seeds once again. They might need to bulk up at the trade deadline once again, but will be a Stanley Cup contender. They won't be able to fly under the radar this year, and will have targets on them for the full season since everyone wants to test themselves against the champs.