Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes
Written By: JCOL32
Founded / Joined: 1972 (Hartford Whalers) / 1979
Championships: 1
2013 Prediction: Division Winner
History:
Originally joining the NHL as the Hartford Whalers in 1979, the franchise moved to Raleigh, North Carolina in 1997 and became the Carolina Hurricanes. Shortly after, the club won their first Stanley Cup championship in 2005-06.
Overview:
The Hurricanes will enter the 2013 shortened season with high hopes despite not making the playoffs a year ago. Newly acquired Jordan Staal and Alex Semin will help boost the Canes offense and take pressure off of those like youngster Jeff Skiner and captain Eric Staal. With these additions, the Hurricanes will have two legitimate top lines to rely on. Look for a return to form from Cam Ward who had a down year last year. He has great fundamentals. Carolina has a great coaching staff and will have no problem kicking the Hurricanes right back into gear for this shortened season. Youngster Justin Faulk will also look to grow off a great season last year.
How to Play as the Hurricanes:
With the Hurricanes balanced attack, don’t feel the need to have their top line out all the time, you will have success with whatever line is out there. Try to draw penalties because you will definitely be able to capitalize with all the offensive talent Carolina has. Alex Semin has a rocket of a shot so try to set him up for one timers. Don’t be afraid to take some chances because you have former stanley cup champion Cam Ward to back you up in net.
Fun Fact:
In 2012, with PNC Bank recently acquiring RBC Bank (US) the former RBC Center is now proudly known as PNC Arena.
Roster with Sortable Player Stats
| Name | Pos. | Type | OVR | SHT | PKS | SEN | SKT | PHY | DEF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Staal | C | PLY | 87 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Jordan Staal | C | TWF | 85 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Joni Pitkanen | D | OFD | 84 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Jeff Skinner | C | SNP | 84 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Tim Gleason | D | DFD | 84 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Tuomo Ruutu | C | TWF | 83 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alexander Semin | LW | SNP | 83 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| Jussi Jokinen | LW | SNP | 81 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Chad Larose | RW | GRN | 80 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Jamie McBain | D | OFD | 78 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Jaroslav Spacek | D | TWD | 78 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Justin Faulk | D | TWD | 77 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Jiri Tlusty | C | PLY | 77 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Joe Corvo | D | OFD | 76 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Andreas Nodl | RW | SNP | 75 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Tim Brent | C | TWF | 75 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Anthony Stewart | RW | PWF | 75 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Jay Harrison | D | DFD | 73 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Pat Dwyer | RW | TWF | 72 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Drayson Bowman | LW | SNP | 72 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Marc-Andre Gragnani | D | OFD | 71 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Tim Wallace | RW | TWF | 70 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
OVR: Overall SNP: Sniper
SHT: Shooting TWF: Two Way Forward
PKS: Puck Skills PLY: Playmaker
SEN: Senses GRN: Grinder
SKT: Skating TGH: Tough
PHY: Physical PWF: Powerforward
DEF: Defense OFD: Offensive Defensemen
DFD: Defensive Defenseman TWD: Two-Way Defenseman
