A commentator on NHL Home Ice on xmradio was talking about the 7 point program to build a Stanley Cup winner.  I think, but am not certain, it was Pierre LeBrun.  His take was that it takes seven key players (1) first line elite centers; (2) second line elite center; (3) first line elite wing/power forward; (4) elite goalie; (5) elite stay at home defenseman; (6) elite puck moving defenseman; and (7) an elite penalty-killer/power play specialist.

   Applying that 7 point program to the Hurricanes,  here's what I get:

(1) Staal -- elite first line center;

(2) Sutter -- elite second line center;

(3) Cam Ward -- elite goalie;

(4) Gleason -- elite stay at home defender;

(5) Pitkanen -- elite puck-moving defenseman;

(6) McBain -- potentially elite quarterback on power play;

(7) in need of a first line wing who  is elite to match with Staal/Jokinen or Staal/Whitney