2. Offseason additions
The Hurricanes, who won their first championship since 2006, made the conference finals for the fourth time of the Brind’Amour coaching era. The team, which fell short in previous postseasons because of both offensive and goaltending struggles, integrated multiple difference-makers over the course of this season.
Forward Nikolaj Ehlers, who signed a six-year contract with the Hurricanes in the offseason, led them in points during the Stanley Cup Final and excelled in key advanced stats like midrange goals (four; tied for NHL lead), goals off the rush (five; tied for second), perimeter shots on goal (21; tied for eighth among forwards) and 20-plus mph speed bursts (61; seventh).
First-year goalie Brandon Bussi, who was claimed off waivers prior to the start of the regular season, went 31-6-2 this year but didn’t make his playoff debut until Game 3 of the Cup Final (relieved starter Frederik Andersen; Carolina lost in double overtime). Bussi then started the final three Cup Final games to close out the series, going 3-0 with a .926 save percentage over that span. Bussi, who had a shutout in the championship-clinching Game 6 on the road, led the NHL in high-danger save percentage this postseason (.900; minimum four games).
Hall and Stankoven were in their first full seasons with the Hurricanes after being acquired as a part of the trades involving Mikko Rantanen last season (Hall came from Chicago Blackhawks; Stankoven from Dallas Stars). Stankoven ranked second in goals scored on offensive zone plays (nine), while Hall thrived in skating speed, shots by location and offensive zone time categories. Miller, who was acquired from the New York Rangers and signed an eight-year contract with Carolina, led the Hurricanes in average ice time (24:03 per game) and ranked highly at his position in even-strength offensive zone time percentage, 20-plus mph speed bursts and total skating distance this postseason.
