Hurricanes retool-Sabers sharpen their swords.
For Buffalo this past season was one I’d like to forget. Despite doing well two seasons ago and going deep into the playoffs with no GM. The chemistry that was present when I took the team over, Datsyuk setting up neal and gus, was about the only thing that seemed to click for the sabers. I made great strides to improve this team via trade and in FA I got thrown quite a bone by getting rid of toxic players and replacing them with better ones.
The main thing for the sabers going forward is the boosts I purchased. Tatar is the real deal in the NHL. He’s leading the wings in scoring and is a consistent goal scoring threat night in night out. In the game, not so much. After the boosts, I have him being more in line with what he is. Having a guy like Plekanic set him up is something I’m excited about.
D was a major problem last year. When I got the team I had a 90 an 82 and not much else. After a flurry of trades I have a 90, an 85 another 85 and I hope an 83+ in Savard after boosts. Plus I boosted mason back up to what he was.
Also my center depth was lacking as I ended the year. Mitchell is listed as a depth forward, a 3C he is not. McClement more than fits the bill.
Finally the new coaching tools have allowed me to create the team I’ve always wanted. In the words of Admiral Akbar,………it’s a trap. A trap with Datsyuk, Plekanic, McClement down the middle.

For the Canes it was a return to playoff form. After a season that saw the canes win their division, playoff expectations were high. Unfortunately for the canes, they ran into a Washington buzzsaw. Keeping much the same team as last year and a new 89 rated goalie. The canes are once again setting their sights on Stanley.
Like the sabers, a lot will depend on how Carolina’s boosts work out. If Bozak can take the step into elite Center terriority and lehtra can replace mcclement on the fourth line, Carolina might make it to the final dance after all.