The Carolina Hurricanes is one of the best teams in the NHL this season + is a top contender for the Stanley Cup. In honor of the Raleigh team’s standings, we’re taking a look at their history.

Where it all began

The Canes joined the NHL in 1979 as the New England Whalers before relocating to Raleigh in 1997. In it’s new city, the team hit the ice strong, winning the Southeast Division in the 1998-1999 season and making an appearance in the playoffs for the first time since 1992.

Winning the cup

The Canes continued to see success in their early years,winning the 2001-2002 season division title, making it to the Stanley Cup Finals, and ultimately establishing hockey in the Research Triangle. But no success was greater than their 2005-2006 Stanley Cup victory against the Edmonton Oilers. The Canes took home the league trophy in Game seven of the series in front of a home crowd of 18,978. This marked the best season in its franchise history.

Post-championship to now

For multiple seasons, many Hurricanes players were injured, making it challenging for the team to follow the 2005-2006 season’s success. From 2010-2018, the Canes saw many middle-of-the-pack season finishes. After a 10 year absence from the Stanley Cup playoffs, they qualified again during the 2018-2019 season. That season, they even earned a reputation for their on-ice celebrations, leading Canadian hockey commentator Don Cherry to call the team “a bunch of jerks.” Instead of rebutting the claim, the team adopted the label, using it as a battle cry in future games.

In 2021 the Canes finished first in their division despite COVID-19 setbacks. This season, the Canes have a good chance at winning. What do you think, Raleigh? Let us know.