(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
In starting yesterday's previews with the Washington Capitals, we move deeper into the division today with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Each year the Hurricanes do something to surprise, and this year looks to be no different.
Carolina Hurricanes
2008/09 Record: 45-30-7, 97 points, 6th in East, Swept in Eastern Conference Final by Pittsburgh
Additions: Andrew Alberts—D (2 years/FA), Tom Kostopoulos—F (3 years/FA), Aaron Ward—D (Trade w/Boston), Jay Harrison—D (1 year/FA), Stephane Yelle—F (FA)
Subtractions: Patrick Eaves—C (Trade w/Boston), Frantisek Kaberle—D (FA/Buyout), Dennis Seidenberg—D (FA)
The Carolina Hurricanes surprised a lot of people last year by going deep into the playoffs as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Not only did they have to overcome the legendary Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils, but the “Cardiac ‘Canes” also overcame the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Bruins on their way to a Conference finals appearance.
The ‘Canes did it on the strength of guts, last-second wins and big-time contributions from players not really known for those kind of gifts, but in the playoffs that’s how you win.
The fans in Carolina are hoping that those gifts didn’t fall by the wayside over the summer.
Ward-ing off the doubters…
Cam Ward is the best goalie in the NHL that nobody talks about. Ward posted a career-high 39 wins last season after putting up 37 a year before, while allowing the fourth-fewest goals against of goalies in the top ten of shots faced.
What’s even better is that he saves his best for last, as he continually gives fans the performances they crave in the playoffs.
While Ward seems to be good for 35-38 wins per season right now (40+ is not out of the question), the Hurricanes know that Ward won’t be able to do it on his own.
While Michael Leighton won’t be required to shoulder much of the load for Carolina (of course barring injury), he’s an ideal candidate to play 13-15 games per season in place of Ward. Since coming to Carolina, Leighton has really rediscovered himself after some very troublesome (and very brief) stints in Columbus and Philadelphia.
Although not world-beating numbers, Leighton will bring the ‘Canes a consistent, steady effort every night, having only allowed four goals or more in four of 19 games last season (and two of those times were against Pittsburgh and Washington, offenses which any goalie would have trouble with).
With a quiet, yet confident starter and a backup who can step in and shine from time-to-time (Leighton also stopped the Capitals 38 times and the Sharks 37 times in winning efforts last year), there are no questions between the Hurricanes pipes.
There ain’t no Staal-in' on this ride…
Speaking of underrated and overlooked, Eric Staal posted his second career 40 goal season last year, after posting 38 in 2007/08. Along with that, Staal was again the forward of note on the ‘Canes, leading the team with 14 goals on the man advantage, and ranking amongst the league leaders in game-winning goals with eight.
Rod Brind’Amor will be back for his 10th season with the Carolina Hurricanes and looking to re-establish himself as one of the best defensive forwards in the game after a career-low -23 last season.
Rod “The Bod” played in 80 games last year after coming back from a torn ACL late in the 2007/08 season so there should be no doubts about the longevity of a man with two-straight 51 point seasons and one of the strictest workout regimes in the NHL.
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