The dog days of summer have arrived and this will be the last month without some form of hockey being played. The excitement of what should be another strong season in Raleigh grows as Rod Brind’Amour and his staff prepare to go to work.
Coming off successful seasons with disappointing playoff results, the Carolina Hurricanes have re-loaded and are ready to make a run at Lord Stanley’s Cup.
The new additions of Dmitry Orlov, Michael Bunting, and Tony DeAngelo have added to positions of strength, while others have added a unique dynamic that may have been missing from years past.
The one common theme through this streak of success has been the coach. Brind’Amour has created a culture of winning and playing the right way on the ice.
This versatile style of hockey has brought a “team game” mentality that has every player playing for each other and committed to the one goal of winning.
The thing that makes the Canes so dangerous is that they excel at every facet of the game. They can skate with fast teams, match physicality if needed, and score with tons of depth.
Brind’Amour has created an environment for the players to feel comfortable but know what is expected of them and the hard work that it will take to reach the ultimate goal. The 52-year-old coach has done it as a player and proven himself as a top coach.
Already having one Jack Adams trophy under his belt, the Ontario native could easily have two more. In 370 games coached, Brind’Amour has 226 career victories.
Not impressed? Tally up three straight Metropolitan Division titles with this in just 5 seasons.
As he heads into the end of his most recent contract, it is concerning to think of this group of players having to be led by another coach.
The former Stanley Cup Champion is a true Carolina Hurricane, through and throughout but with success comes a price tag. Could another team come in and blow him away with the money? The coaching carousel that is the NHL has seen crazier things happen than the likes of Brind’Amour leaving the Canes.
With this season already being a Cup or bust type campaign, could the pressure be even more knowing that the captain of the ship may not be around following this season?
The player movement for Don Waddell seems to be complete and all his attention before training camp should be locking up his superstar coach.