8. 2010-11
One of the few seasons that the Canes actually won 40 or more games in the last decade, the 2010-11 season was a heartbreaking year for Carolina fans. They finished in 9th place in the Eastern Conference that year and were just two points shy of getting into the playoffs.
Paul Maurice almost got the Canes into the playoffs with a late season run. They were hoping to capitalize on big seasons from Eric Staal, then rookie Jeff Skinner, Tuomo Ruutu, and Erik Cole. It was one of the best seasons at the end of Cole’s career as well.
Cam Ward also had a big season with a .923 on his way to being named an All-Star alongside Staal. Much like the 2011-12 campaign, it’s kind of a mystery as to why the Canes could not put together a good enough season to make the playoffs with all the talent on the roster.
This was the season where the Canes finished closest to making the playoffs without actually making it. Things would not get much better anytime soon in Raleigh as the Canes have yet to win 40 games since then.