The Carolina Hurricanes are aiming to make the step from perennial contender to Stanley Cup winner
It marked the third straight season that Carolina had lost a series despite having home ice and the third straight trip to the Eastern Final to end in a sweep going back to 2009. STRENGTHS: The core group has been through Carolina's multi-year journey from playoff newbie to perennial Cup contender. The Hurricanes have an aggressive forechecking style and surrendered the fewest goals in the league in 2022 and the second-fewest in 2023.