Hurricanes' Scars and Buy-In Forge a Real Cup Contender
Carolina's long build, playoff experience, and total system buy-in have them primed for a Stanley Cup run.
The Carolina Hurricanes have shed the label of regular-season wonder. After years of playoff heartbreak, the team's accumulated scars and a locker room culture that prioritises system over ego have them playing their most complete hockey yet. This isn't a hot streak; it's the payoff of a patient build.
General manager Don Waddell and head coach Rod Brind'Amour have cultivated a roster where veterans like Sebastian Aho and Jaccob Slavin lead by example, and newcomers buy into a relentless forechecking scheme. The result is a team that ranks among the league's best in expected goals share and penalty kill efficiency. What separates this iteration is the mental edge.
