The season has ended for the Hurricanes, and although many have now accepted its abrupt conclusion, it should not be lost that this organization has undergone an astronomical renaissance; in just one season.
Justin Williams said it best, “Reflection is for the end of the year; and I guess it’s the end of the year.” The Caniac faithful, the ones who pack those seats of PNC, win or lose, have felt the sudden heart break of ending the 2019 season in a hard fought, albeit one-sided, series sweep at the hands of the Boston Bruins.
But the end of the year is here all the same. Work is still being done by the front office, and the organization is beginning to formulate its plan for the impending, and crucial offseason. What has developed over these 90-plus games is something that should welcome such reflection, or better yet, perspective.
Longtime fans of this franchise are familiar with the feeling which haunted past seasons. Not living up to potential, underachieving, lacking any real experience; we have heard all of the excuses, and we have all made them ourselves, yet, none applicable to this group.
Changed the culture. Changed the game.
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) May 17, 2019
Just getting started. pic.twitter.com/xBaVja8021
The resurgent four levels of this organization- ownership, management, the coaching staff, and the players themselves- have stepped into their self-assigned challenge and have reached far above and beyond it.
But what puts all of this excitement into perspective is considering where we were just this time last year…