5 points in the last 6 games.  Controlling their own destiny at Home and can't finish it off.  Not only do they lose the division, they don't even make the playoffs.

I was talking to a Caps fan, and while Washington did everything they needed to do to make the playoffs, the Hurricanes did everything they could to not make it.  Two worst teams in the division to close out the sesaon, and they split, altho they did need to win both of them.

An interesting season for the Hurricanes.  They started out strong then went through a midseason slump.  They ended strong also, other than that last game which was SRO, as it should have been.  I can go back and find a bunch of games they should have won (basically blew leads) where they would have clinched a berth two weeks ago.

They did make some strides forward.  Cam Ward had a great year, after a bit of froshmore slump (this was his second year as starter after taking the Canes to the CUP)  The trading and trade deadline were positive for the Canes this year, with the Addition of Samsonov and Corvo especially.  However Defense will definitely need to be a priority in the offseason.  I think our worst stat was giving up 13 shorthanded goals, including one in the final game.  Surprisingly, the Canes weren't "best" in that category.

For the future, Corvo and Samsonov need to be signed.  I like John Grahame, but I believe there is a better backup goalie out there for us to go sign, altho to be honest, I'm too lazy to look up right now.  Wesley needs to retire.  He is my Daughter's Favorite, but he needs to go.  Hedican needs to get healthy or retire.  Brind'Amour will want to come back, because that is the type of player he is, but ACL isn't great for a 37 year old (38 when the new season starts).

I'll give the team a B- for the year, altho I should drop them to C for missing the playoffs.  They dealt with a Lot of injuries this year, including Captain Brind'Amour.  They played with a lot of AHL players the last two months, and still only missed the playoffs on the last day.  While I am highly disappointed,  I am of course, optimistic about next year.

HSKRDAVE

HurricanesFan Commissioner

Caniac Extraordinaire.