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The Hurricanes made two excellent trades (Stillman/Commodore for Corvo/Eaves and Ladd for Rutuu) and picked up a great player off of waivers from Chicago (Samsonov), but they waited too long to get better on defense. This cost them some key points prior to the trade deadline. Not being able to pull off a win against the Caps in their final two meetings of the season was also a huge blow (and inexcusable to boot). Even winning 10 out of their last 15 wasn't enough to save them. In the end, the Caps just wanted it more. Lets just hope there isn't a big fire sale in July. The Canes are almost certain to loose/drop Sergei Samsonov and Jeff Hamilton. My chips are on both Wesley and Hedican to retire as well. Both now have a Stanley Cup under their belts and are looking at an uphill battle if they want to make it back to the playoffs with the 'Canes.