2010-11 NHL Season Preview: Carolina Hurricanes

In true Carolina Hurricanes style, a trip to the NHL Eastern Conference Finals in 2009 was followed up by missing the playoffs all together in 2010. It is a strange cycle to follow which, if history is any indication, means that the Carolina Hurricanes are due for another failed season in 2010-11.

The reason for the failure last year can be attributed to the injury that Cam Ward suffered midway through the season. Former star goaltender Manny Legace filled in well enough, but without a bona fide starter the Hurricanes lost their identity. Losing Eric Staal for 12 games certainly did not help either.

A Legend Retires
Former Carolina Hurricanes captain Rod Brind'Amour had by far the worst season of his career in 2009-10, bad enough that he decided to retire. That leaves a gaping hole in the Carolina Hurricanes line up that they hope will be filled by developing rookies Jiri Tlusty, Brandon Sutter and Zach Boychuk.

The only other major departure from the line-up was long time Hurricane Ray Whitney, who signed a new contract with the Phoenix Coyotes. That leaves 20-plus goals that the Hurricanes will have trouble finding elsewhere, though the emergence of Jussi Jokinen as a 30-goal scorer will help to alleviate it slightly.

Look to the Past
The other major change to the line-up comes in the form of two returning defensemen. Joe Corvo, who was traded to the Washington Capitals at the 2010 trade deadline, will return, as well as Ukrainian Anton Babchuk, who has played three previous seasons with the 'Canes. Bringing back those two former Carolina players actually gives the Hurricanes a lot of depth on the blue line, which could help turn around their fortunes.

Cycle Broken?
The Carolina Hurricanes have followed a cycle of an impressive playoff run followed by two seasons out of the playoffs since 2002. That would indicate that the Hurricanes are destined to miss the playoffs yet again in 2010-11.

If they can keep a healthy roster, the Hurricanes actually have a decent shot at succeeding. Eric Staal is one of the best players in the NHL, and has developed great chemistry with winger Jussi Jokinen.

Depth on defense should give the Carolina players more confidence, though they will still be fielding mostly has-beens and unproven prospects on the blue line. The Hurricanes might also be forced to trade a defenseman or two in order to fill holes in their offense, which drops off considerably after the top line of forwards.

Another area of concern is a backup goaltending. Justin Peters has been developing nicely, but there is a very good chance he will not be prepared to play the 20-30 games which an NHL backup is required to play. An injury to Cam Ward would devastate the Hurricanes and they would be wise to hire a more experienced backup to at least a one year deal.

Predicted Standings
Southeast Divison: 5^th
Eastern Conference: 14^th
NHL: 29^th

Depth Chart

Forwards
Jussi Jokinen - Eric Staal - Tuomo Ruutu
Erik Cole - Brandon Sutter - Chad LaRose
Sergei Samsonov - Jiri Tlusty - Tom Kostopoulos
Drayson Bowman - Zach Boychuk - Pat Dwyer
Oskar Osala - Riley Nash - Jared Staal

Defense
Joni Pitkanen - Tim Gleason
Joe Corvo - Jamie McBain
Brett Carson - Anton Babchuk
Alexander Picard - Jay Harrison

Goaltenders
Cam Ward
Justin Peters
Justin Pogge

Sources

http://www.nhl.com
http://www.tsn.ca
http://www.espn.com
http://www.hockeydb.com
http://www.nhlnumbers.com