Hurricanes - PR

HURRICANES COMPLETE MOST DISAPPOINTING SEASON SINCE TFHL11

Calgary, AB - It came down to the wire and the Hurricanes just couldn't deliver. The team could have had first overall in the Eastern Conference but fell into a miserable slump going into the playoffs. A terrible 2-5-3 record in the last 10 games spelled the end for a third franchise consecutive 100-point plateau season.

The team is entering a trying playoff season which will see them take on the rival Senators in what should be an exciting and eventful matchup. Not in the lineup against the Senators will be top centre Shawn Bates and winger Shane Endicott. Bates is expected back for Game 2 while Endicott is expected to be out possibly until the 3rd round, if the Hurricanes make it that far.

The Hurricanes top line against the Senators today will be Alexandre Svitov, recently moved back to centre, which is a position he was drafted at. On Svitov's side he will have Markus Naslund and Bill Guerin. The crafty wingers are expected to produce a bulk of the output for this club.

Hurricanes Report Card


OFFENSE: A+
The Hurricanes boast an impressive lineup of scoring talent including the likes of Alexandre Svitov, Markus Naslund, Bill Guerin, Brendan Morrison, Anson Carter, and Shane Endicott.

DEFENSE: C+
The Hurricanes lost a vital asset of their defense core with the trade that sent Janne Niinimaa to the Senators for Shane Endicott. With only Chris Pronger as the strongest defenseman on the team, it leaves a gapping hole with only players such as Pavel Kubina, Richard Matvichuk, Marek Malik and Robert Schnabel.


GOALTENDING: B+
Roman Cechmanek played well this season and helped turn around woes for the Hurricanes franchise. His contract is up for renewal, its a wonder whether or not the Hurricanes may renew it.


PLAYOFF PREVIEW

Calgary is up for a tough challenge. There is no All-Star goaltender like Sean Burke, and no tough defense core that helped drive the Hurricanes in the past. If the Hurricanes can overcome their season issues against the Senators and defeat them, it is likely this club will have the ability to go to the TFHL Championship final. The team needs to regroup and focus, otherwise it will be over before it even starts.


Calgary Sun 2005