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If the Hurricanes accomplished nothing else this past season by grinding their way to the Stanley Cup finals, they put themselves on the map in an area known best for NASCAR and college sports -- and they have the new, significantly improved TV contract to prove it. One of the best things to come out of their success is that coach Paul Maurice, previously the most underrated bench boss in the game, has finally received the appreciation he deserves and can avoid all those tired "coach in jeopardy" stories. Plus, center Ron Francis, who deserved a lot more consideration that he was given in the race for the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player, was rediscovered as the franchise linchpin he has always been.
How will they handle increased expectations? The one great thing about being the Cinderella story is that no one expected you to do it, so you enjoy the kind of honeymoon you wouldn't have received otherwise. On the flip side, now that you've been to the finals, there will be a great more scrutiny than there has been in the past. However, with few changes to the roster and underrated GM Jim Rutherford at the helm, this team should prove last season was no fluke.
Can Ron Francis come close to his production? Yes, he's up there in age and has more gray hair than black but this guy is a true treasure. Those who were around the Penguins when they won back-to-back Cups in '91 and '92 credit Francis for keeping a firm but kind rein on Jaromir Jagr. This past season, he led the Hurricanes with 77 points. The guy is like Ray Bourque in his dedication to training, love of the game and efficiency of motion.
Is Jeff O'Neill finally getting the notice he deserves? Those who have watched him for a few years are well-acquainted with his sharp tongue off the ice (that's a compliment) and his hard edge on the ice (also a compliment). Who could forget his memorable playoff goal against Toronto with one eye nearly completely closed after he took a puck in the face early in the game? A real warrior.
Preseason schedule
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DATE
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OPPONENT
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TIME (ET)
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Fri., Sept. 20
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at Florida
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7:30 p.m.
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Sat., Sept. 21
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vs. Florida at Estero, Fla. (TECO Arena)
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7:30 p.m.
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Tue., Sept. 24
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vs. Tampa Bay at Estero, Fla. (TECO Arena)
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7:30 p.m.
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Wed., Sept. 25
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at Tampa Bay
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7:30 p.m.
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Fri., Sept. 27
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Philadelphia
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7 p.m.
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Sat., Sept. 28
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Washington
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7 p.m.
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Wed., Oct. 2
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Atlanta
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7 p.m.
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Fri., Oct. 4
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at Washington
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7 p.m.
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Sat., Oct. 5
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at Atlanta
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5 p.m.
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