2006 Carolina Hurricanes Preview

2006 Carolina Hurricanes Preview from Maddux Sports. With the NHL Hockey Season now is the time to get aquatinted with the 2006 teams and players. Remember if you are NHL hockey betting look no further, as we offer hockey picks and can help you turn a profit betting on the NHL this season.

2006 Carolina Hurricanes Hockey Season Preview

They were 40-1 to win the Stanley Cup last year. Everyone is asking—can they repeat? This team, with speed, agility and smart playmakers, certainly has a chance of getting back to the finals.

The first line of offense is about as good as it gets, with center Eric Staal (45 G, 55 A, 100 Pts) flanked by Cory Stillman (21 G, 55 A, 76 Pts) and Erik Cole (30 G, 29 A, 59 Pts). The second line isn’t chopped liver, featuring Rod Brind’Amour (31 G, 39 A, 70 Pts), Ray Whitney (17 G, 38 A, 55 Pts) and Justin Williams (31 G, 45 A, 76 Pts). All three would be first liners on many other teams. The team finished third in offense, combining some strong two-way threats with excellent set-up men.

The defense, which tied for 19th in the league, has a bit less speed with the loss of Aaron Ward. Mike Commodore is a tough enforcer who was plus-12 last year, while Bret Hedican was plus-11. Frantisek Kaberle (6 G, 38 A, 44 Pts) plays well at both ends and is the best set-up man on defense. A host of others offer sound play. The team tied for 17th in the penalty kill. Improvement here would be helpful, especially with goalie Cam Ward playing his first full NHL season.

Martin Gerber (60 G, 38 W, 14 L, 6 OT, 2.78 GAA, .906 SP) performed well during the season but was out of the playoffs after going 1-1 with a 3.53 GAA and .856 SP. Backup Cam Ward (28 G, 14 W, 8 L, 2 OT, 3.68 GAA, .882 SP) became a star, posting a 15-8 record with a 2.14 GAA and .920 SP. Gerber is gone and Ward is now the starter. Can Ward sustain great play over the course of an 82-game season?

Carolina still possesses all of the ingredients that helped them win the 2005-06 Stanley Cup. If they can play at that same level or better, they have a good chance to repeat.

For more information on the 2006 Carolina Hockey Club check out the Hurricanes team website.