After going 8-1-1 down the stretch, the Carolina Hurricanes held their playoff destiny in their own hands. All that stood between them and a playoff berth were the Tampa Bay Lightning going into their season finale; the Lightning were already locked into their playoff spot and the Hurricanes were fighting for the playoff lives. So when the Lightning dropped the hammer on the Canes (6-2), it made for a long summer for the players in Raleigh. As the players start filtering back to Carolina, it’s apparent that the way last season ended left a bitter taste in everyone’s mouth.
Chad LaRose spoke with Chip Alexander from the News Observer about the way the season ended and the painful offseason:“Let’s say I’ve got some unfinished business. It’s like it’s been forever. It’s been way too long.
“What you shoot for is short summers. When it gets long like this you’re itching and chomping at the bit to get back and get going.”
All-star netminder Cam Ward echoed his teammates’ sentiments to Carolina beat-writer:
Chad LaRose is leading the informal offseason workouts for the Hurricanes this season—a role that is new for him and the organization. For years, these workouts were led by veteran (and renowned fitness freak) Rod Brind’Amour. But with Brind’Amour retiring, LaRose has stepped up and taken an offseason leadership role with the team. Other Hurricanes players in town for training include promising youngsters Justin Faulk, Zac Dalpe, and Jamie McBain. Faulk and Dalpe are looking to make the team out of training camp while the promising McBain is looking to solidify his spot as a major producer from the blueline.
For a team that was only 60 minutes away from a playoff berth, it should be fascinating to see how much motivation to start the season. Coming so close, then failing, then having the entire offseason to reflect is like the antithesis to the Stanley Cup hangover. Last season, they were unable to dig themselves out of their deep hole in the standings even though they were one of the hottest teams throughout the end of March and into April. But if they can get off to a hot start next season, they won’t have to worry about a late season run to squeeze into the playoffs.
The Hurricanes will have a few newcomers to successfully mix into the fold if they want to flourish next season. Tomas Kaberle arrives from Boston to fill the spot on the blueline that was formerly held by Joe Corvo. Alexei Ponikarovsky will look to regain the scoring touch that’s made him a four-time 20 goal scorer and Anthony Stewart will try to prove that last season was only the beginning of him realizing his vast potential.
If the newcomers can produce like GM Jim Rutherford hopes and the returning players play with a chip on their shoulder, they will be back to the promised land of the playoffs faster than you can say “Skinner for Prom King.”