The rebuild is basically over. Maybe Treliving can tinker with the roster in the offseason, but for the most part this core will determine if they can win a cup, as they've proven they can bring the franchise to the playoffs. They have several cup winning qualities. A #1 defenseman. A 1-2 punch down the middle. And depth. But they lack a true #1 goalie, and they lack an elite coach (ie, Sutter, Quenneville, Babcock, etc). Maybe it's possible Elliott is like an Osgood and shows his true talents in the playoffs, and maybe Gulutzan shows he can pull at least one year off (ala Bylsma), but who knows in the playoffs.
If the 06' Hurricanes can win a cup, then any team might get hot enough to win one.
|