The year is 2006. Cam Ward has just won the Conn Smythe trophy after single-handedly backstopping the Carolina Hurricanes to their first and only Stanley Cup victory. Confidence was high throughout the playoffs, and the Carolina Hurricanes were absolutely buzzing going into the following season.
Cam Ward emerged from the 2005-2006 regular season an entirely different goalie than we’d seen up until this point. Eric Staal and Rod Brind’amour both returned to the team after turning in key performances that translated into a Stanley Cup victory, and fan confidence was at an all-time high.