Today we take a look at a defining moment in the magical 2005-2006 season, a fairy tale return that many pinpoint as a major reason why the Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup.
Erik Cole returned to the Canes’ lineup in Game 6 against the Edmonton Oilers just 11 weeks after having his neck broken by Brooks Orpik. Cole’s return, while ineffective that night, is looked at by many as the extra willpower that pushed the Canes to that all so memorable victory in game seven. But what would have happened if Orpik never slammed a defenseless Cole into the boards in March of 2006?