It might be now or never for the Hurricanes’ current core to make a Stanley Cup run
PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 22: Rod Brind'Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 22, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images The Carolina Hurricanes are potentially approaching a crossroads entering the 2026 playoffs. On one end, they have been undoubtedly one of the most dominant teams in the NHL over the better part of the last 10 years.
On the other end, though, they don’t have much to show for it. Since 2018, Carolina is fourth in regular season wins with 414 and sixth in playoff wins with 47 according to StatMuse. Four of the top five teams in regular season wins have made a Stanley Cup within that time frame, with three of the four having gone on to win it.
The Canes are the only ones who haven’t made an appearance. Of the top eight teams in playoff wins since 2018, the Canes are also the only team to not make a Stanley Cup. This should be the year that changes, but if not, the Canes might not get a better chance.
One big reason for that is their potential path to the Stanley Cup, as this is may be the easiest route they have had. The Florida Panthers and New York Rangers, who have knocked Carolina out of the playoffs each of the last four seasons, both aren’t in. While the Buffalo Sabres have shot on to the scene, they have no playoff experience.
And the Tampa Bay Lightning should be past their glory days. Not only that, the Canes will avoid facing either the Sabres or Lightning until the Eastern Conference Finals at the earliest. It’s been eight straight years of playoff hockey and multiple years of being a true Stanley Cup contender for the Canes, with no success past the second round.