1998-99 record: 34-30-18, 86 points, 1st Southeast Division
Coach: Paul Maurice (128-143-45, four seasons with Hurricanes)
New faces: G Eric Fichaud, LW Craig MacDonald, G Mark Fitzpatrick, D Nikos Tselios, RW Jeff Heerema
Losses: G Trevor Kidd, RW Ray Sheppard, RW Kevin Dineen, D Steve Chiasson
Strengths: Stability. Suddenly, Maurice ranks second behind Detroit's Scotty Bomwan in continuous tenure among NHL coaches. Management's patience was rewarded last season, when the Hurricanes won the Southeast Division and reached the playoffs for the first time since 1992. The team will get a huge boost from moving into the new Raleigh Entertainment and Sports Arena. C Ron Francis and LW Gary Roberts provide veteran leadership and combined for 35 goals. C Kent Manderville is one of the NHL's most unsung players. He's a solid checker and helped the 'Canes finish in the middle of the pack in penalty-killing.
Weaknesses: C Keith Primeau, finally coming into his own after a 30-goal season, was involved in a nasty contract dispute as training camp opened. Carolina starts the season with a nine-game road trip, equaling the Quebec Nordiques' record trek to begin the 1980-81 campaign. The 'Canes already anemic power play actually faltered last season, falling to last in the NHL at 11 percent. Carolina gets virtually no production from its defense, and acquiring Paul Coffey was not the answer. Glen Wesley was the only Hurricanes defensemen with more than two goals. D Steve Chiasson, a talented veteran, died in an offseason car crash. Francis picked it up in the second half last season but needs to produce more than 52 points, particularly if Primeau holds out.