3 turning points that derailed Carolina Hurricanes' 2024-25 season ft. failing to adapt to Panthers

The Carolina Hurricanes reached the Eastern Conference Final yet again in 2024-25. However, they were unable to get past the Florida Panthers. The Panthers left the Hurricanes out of the picture for the second time in three seasons.

While the Hurricanes had a great regular season and playoffs, fans were left wondering what went wrong in the third round against the two-time Stanley Cup champions.

So, here’s a look at the three turning points that derailed the Carolina Hurricanes’ 2024-25 season.

#3 Botched Mikko Rantanen trade

The Carolina Hurricanes went all-in during the 2024-25 season. The club was committed to finally breaking through and making it to the Stanley Cup Final. That situation prompted the team to pounce on Mikko Rantanen as soon as he became available.

However, the Hurricanes were unable to secure a long-term extension for the star winger. The team was left with little choice but to move on from Rantanen, sending him to the Dallas Stars. The Hurricanes got Logan Stankoven back for Rantanen.

While Stankoven is a great young player, the loss of Martin Necas and Rantanen’s offense played a factor in the Hurricanes' being unable to get past the Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final.

#2 Lack of depth scoring

The Carolina Hurricanes sorely lacked depth scoring, especially during the playoffs. Beyond Seth Jarvis, Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov, the Hurricanes' next leading scorer was defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere.

While getting significant offensive contributions from Gostisbehere was crucial, the fact that other forwards didn’t step up was a major factor in the Hurricanes’ ousting.

Trade deadline addition Taylor Hall scored two goals in 15 games. Jackson Blake had three, while Jordan Matinook had one.

Other depth forwards like Jesperi Kotkaniemi failed to score a single goal during the postseason. Moving forward, the Canes will need to get key contributions from their depth players if they are to get past the Conference Finals.

#1 Failing to adapt to Panthers

This past season was the second time the Hurricanes met the Panthers in the Conference Final. As such, the Hurricanes were familiar with Florida’s style of play. However, coach Rod Brind’Amour could not adapt to the Panthers’ relentless forechecking style.

Except for the Canes’ 3-0 win in Game 4, Carolina was unable to get much going against Florida. The Panthers pounded Carolina 5-2 in Game 1, shut them out 5-0 in Game 3, and thrashed them 6-2 in Game 3. While Game 5 was much closer, the Hurricanes’ inability to adjust to the Panthers’ game play was the Canes’ ultimate undoing.

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Edited by Nestor Quixtan