Everything went right for Stanley Cup champion Carolina last season, but now the Hurricanes are the hunted team.
2005 record: 52-22-8 (112 points)
2005 offense rank: 3rd (3.49 goals per game)
2005 defense rank: T-19th (3.15 goals allowed per game)
Key Additions: G John Grahame, RW Trevor Letowski, RW Scott Walker
Key Losses: C Matt Cullen, G Martin Gerber, RW Mark Recchi, C Doug Weight, D Aaron Ward, C Josef Vasicek
Overview: The Carolina Hurricanes rode a hot goalie (Cam Ward) and a high-octane offensive attack to win the Stanley Cup last season. As often happens with Stanley Cup champions, some key Hurricane players left for greener pastures and big contracts. Cullen, one of the Hurricanes' top centers, and Aaron Ward, who was a solid fixture on defense, will be the most difficult players to replace. Carolina averaged 3.49 goals per game by wearing out its opponents by the third period, as shown by its incredible 31-0-2 record when leading after two periods. The Hurricanes were relentless in pursuing the puck and could throw four solid lines out on the ice during the game. C Eric Staal anchored the team's first line with 45 goals and 100 total points, while veteran Rod Brind’Amour (31 G, 39 A) and youngster Justin Williams (31 G, 45 A) were solid contributors on the second line. The loss of Aaron Ward was a big loss to the Hurricanes' defense, but it also gives Oleg Tverdovsky a chance to redeem himself after a horrible 2005 season (23 points). Frantisek Kaberle, Bret Hedican and Brett Commodore are solid defenders and do well in the Hurricanes' active puck-pursuit defensive scheme. Cam Ward took over the netminding duties after regular-season starter Martin Gerber had a few rough outings in the playoffs and never gave the job back. Ward impressed the Hurricanes' front office so much it let Gerber walk in the offseason. Ward won the Conn Smythe Trophy and will be the backbone of the Hurricanes' defense for years to come. With the departure of Gerber, the Flames signed veteran Grahame to back up Ward.
Players to Watch: Tverdovsky, who signed a $2.5 million contract last season, will need to step up his play in place of the departed Aaron Ward. Cam Ward was stellar during the playoffs, but now has to prove he can play that well throughout an entire season.
Outlook: The Carolina Hurricanes enter the 2006 season with a target square on their backs, as every other team will be gunning to knock off the champs. If Cam Ward can continue his impressive play between the pipes, and if the defense can overcome the loss of Aaron Ward, many NHL betting fans are predicting a return trip to the Stanley Cup finals for the Hurricanes. At a minimum, the Hurricanes will be solid WagerWeb.com favorites to win the Southeast Division.
