2011-12 record: 33-33-16 (82 points)
missed the playoffs
Captain: Eric Staal
Things could not have started worse for the Hurricanes last season, as they not only stumbled out of the gate, but they also canned Paul Maurice. Under Kirk Muller's direction, the Hurricanes made strides, but it wasn't enough to squeak into the playoffs. This offseason, the Hurricanes decided to take some major steps in improving the team. Beginning with the NHL Draft, the 'Canes traded away dependable center Brandon Sutter, prospect Brian Dumolin, and the eighth overall pick that would turn out to be Derrick Pouliot to Pittsburgh. Carolina didn't do so bad in this trade because in return, they got Jordan Staal, who will be given every opportunity to be the superstar center that he was not about to be in Pittsburgh. As a bonus, he will likely be on a line with Eric Staal, so expectations for both will be high, and both look like they're up to the challenge. The wild card of the offense is Alexander Semin, and Carolina is waging $7 million that he will produce this year. Carolina did well to lock up Tim Gleason, Tuomo Ruutu, and Jeff Skinner to extensions, which means the core of the team will be around for some time barring trades. The blue line needs improvement, and certainly, Justin Faulk did well. However, Joni Pitkanen needs to step up his game and Joe Corvo needs to prove that his game really does work in Carolina like the last two times he's been in Hurricane colors. Cam Ward's numbers are slightly deceiving, as he did have to play behind a porous blue line. He is the team's rock in goal, and he has proven durable the last two years.
Prediction: 3rd in East
Band: Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost had some success early on, but fell off a bit in the middle of their career. In recent years, they have experienced a resurgence of sorts in their success. Carolina hopes replicate it this coming season.
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