2009-2010 record: 35-37-10 (80 points)
Did not qualify for the playoffs
Captain: Eric Staal
Alternate Captains: TBA
3 players to watch: Seemingly for every time people think Cam Ward has turned the corner, something always happens. Consistency early in his career was an issue and last year, injuries became the issue on the heels of a solid playoff run. If Ward can find both, then there is no reason why the Hurricanes can't be playoff contenders again. Named captain midway through last season, it is up to Eric Staal to ramp up his game now that Carolina is without Rod Brind'Amour and Ray Whitney. He won't be the only contributor on the team if Anton Babchuk has anything to say about it. Having spent a season in the KHL, Babchuk returns to the Hurricanes and brings a good slapshot from the blueline. He should also be able to provide a little relief for a team that needs blueline help.
Things to look for: Even with the re-addition of Babchuk, the blue line is still woefully thin. As many as three rookies could get a look on the blue line. Staal is now the captain, and leading the team with 70 points is an indication that he needs to be better than that. Of course, the team around him also figures into the equation. The only real viable scoring threat on the team are Jussi Jokinen. Everyone else that has been considered a scoring threat either needs to rediscover that touch or needs to get healthy. Ward is the goalie of the present and future. However, if he goes down to injury again or struggles to find consistency (a 2.69 GAA just won't do for an elite goalie), the depth behind him is almost nonexistent.
Prediction: 11th in East
Song: Alestorm-Keelhauled
Maybe the Hurricanes fans feel this way after last season ended with such disappointment, given that the team reached to Conference Finals the year before.
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