PR - Hurricanes

LIVE AFTER THE HURRICANES LOSS TO THE SAINTS IN A 3-0 DECISION

Ron MacLean: Ladies and gentlemen we're live from our studio at the Olympic Saddledome and today we we have with us live via satellite today Al Strachan from the Toronto Sun, and in studio Eric Duhatschek and Vancouver hockey columnist Ian Macintyre. I guess we'll just start with it, what has happened to the Hurricanes this season? Eric, go ahead and start.

Eric: Well Ron, I think it has come down to leadership. This team has seen some of its great leaders moved out over the years and I think the final kicker to the team was Naslund. I think Markus made his statement against the team tonight scoring his 32nd of the season in the 3rd period. There isn't a Hurricane that has reached the 30 goal plateau and unless Jason King gets hot I doubt anybody will.

Al: You know guys I think the biggest problem has been quick fixes for this team. They relied on veterans for so many seasons and never really started to get involved with the farm team up until a season or two ago and unfortunately for GM Major he missed the mark and that ugly transition year hit him earlier and harder than ever expected. I think the Roman Hamrlik deal was to be a band aid for a mediocre defense, yet he turned out to be a 9.5 million dollar bust.

Ron: Do you think the Hurricanes will make these kinds of offers again?

Al: I can't imagine they would nor any team for that matter. The new RFA rules are going to see salaries for younger players increase, I don't see too many teams taking on salaries higher than 6 or 7 million. They'll likely handcuff themselves down the road as their RFA's increase in the value. The gravy ride is over for GM's now that RFA's could potentially lower their salary expectations.

Ron: So Ian, what are some of they key things that the 'Canes will need to address in the upcoming season?

Ian: I'll be quite honest I think this team is brimming with talent for the future. They have stocked a lot of prospects and got a lot younger. The farm team used to be full of overpaid veterans and now we're seeing a lot of those guys moved out. The defensive talent looks good and the team managed to pick up some guys entering their prime years in Alex Sulzer and David Turon, these two guys along with Ryan Parent and Badass Jack will be the cornerstone of the team. It will all come down to the off season to see how improved the forwards become. The Simon Gagne pick up was a great move and he'll be great along with fellow sniper Jason King next year.

Al: They have no goal tending. I predict right now because of that they will find themselves with the worst GAA again. The moved the wrong goalie at the beginning of the season, Bryzgalov should of been the #1 guy. I think that was a salary move but now they are finding themselves out of the playoffs and nearly dead last.

Eric: One thing to consider on the goal tending. The Hurricanes started the season off quite well, it all fell apart at about week 9 or 10. Boucher was playing average but after that he just tumbled out.

Ron: On to our next topic, who is considered the favorite for the TFHL Cup? Let's start with you Eric.

Eric: Hands down the Flames. With Jeff Carter having a career year and Ryznar and Christensen not far behind him on the 100 points you can't go wrong here. Goaltending isn't bad with Barry Brust back there but what makes them really strong is Mark Schwarz gives them great insurance.

Ron: Al?

Al: Achaens. Gregory Campbell is just as hot as Calgary's Jeff Carter and has the same support role as well. Brent Seabrook has come a long way too.

Ian: I'll go with the dark horse Saints. I only call them a dark horse because of the disparity between the two conferences. If the Saints were in the Western conference this season they would be tied for 6th place instead of 1st in the east. I think with the guns like Naslund and especially Christopher Higgins this team could go far.

Ron: Alright, well I'll pick the Hurricanes....ok I'm kidding. We're back next week with Hockey Night in Canada for the wrap up the TFHL season. Good night everyone.