Even as we say “Congratulations” to the Pittsburgh Penguins, who beat the Hurricanes 4 games to 0 to secure the Eastern Conference Championship and advance to the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals, we want to say a big “Thank you” to the Carolina Hurricanes for the fantastic season they had, finishing 2nd in the demanding Southeast Division!

Though the Carolina Hurricanes ended the 2007-08 season in second place in the Southeast Division, it wasn’t quite enough to secure an NHL playoff berth. Last season the offense was crippled by forwards Ray Whitney, Matt Cullen, Justin Williams and Rod Brind'Amour missing quite a few games due to injury, so if they can stay healthy in the 2008-09 season, the ‘Canes chances are good for a return to the playoffs. General Manager Jim Rutherford decided to strengthen the defense by trading Erik Cole for Joni Pitkanen and signing Anton Babchuk from the Russian Super League and Josef Melichar from the Swedish Elite League. With the ‘Canes having the dubious distinction of being only one of two clubs in all of NHL history to fail to make the playoffs two years in a row following a Stanley Cup win, they’re starting the 2008-09 season determined to turn things around. Though the off-season moves have fortified the team, their fierce resolve may be the difference between a successful or disappointing season. Throngs of fans in the stands of RBC Center - Raleigh Arena can only help strengthen that determination, so get your Carolina Hurricanes tickets today and help cheer your team on to victory!