Locked On Hurricanes - Daily Podcast On The Carolina Hurricanes

As we wrap up the final show of the Stanley Cup Championship Week for the Carolina Hurricanes, who were the biggest standouts in the final series in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs? Who made the biggest impact en route to the Hurricanes' second Stanley Cup? Also, what should fans expect on Saturday for the Championship Parade in downtown Raleigh? On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on who a couple of the biggest standouts were in the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights. Who stood out in terms of...

When it comes to culture, the Carolina Hurricanes set the standard for it. That said, what is "culture defining" when it comes to Carolina? On the Thursday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on how the Hurricanes embodied what it means to be a Carolina Hurricane in 2025-26. Every season we hear about how it starts with Rod Brind'Amour and how the culture makes Raleigh special. While that is true, there seems to be a sense that this iteration took that to heart and won a cup based on that mindset. Secondly...

 As we're still celebrating the Carolina Hurricanes' Stanley Cup victory, what were the 3 main takeaways from the series? Who stood out? What turned the tide? What does it mean for the team, organization, the fans? There's much that goes into a Stanley Cup Championship! On the Wednesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on how the Hurricanes cemented themselves as a wagon, going 16-3 in the playoffs, and winning three straight games to close out the Stanley Cup Final. It wasn't just a few players but a total team effort en route t...

In honor of celebrating 10 Years of Locked On, we will be doing the Top 10 moments of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs for the Carolina Hurricanes. Between heated moments, comebacks, overtime goals, and lifting of the cup, which 10 moments stood out above the rest? On the Tuesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on selections 10 through 7 of the Top 10 Moments of the Hurricanes' 2026 playoff run. What moments stood out that just made the list, but fall just short of the top half? Secondly, Zach shares his selections 6 through 4 as we get closer to the...

THE CAROLINA HURRICANES ARE THE 2026 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!!! They defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in Game 6 to win their second-ever Stanley Cup in franchise history! Move over 2006; you have some company with the 2026 Hurricanes!!! On the Monday Stanley Cup Celebration Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the most complete Hurricanes win in the Stanley Cup Final, defeating the Golden Knights 3-0. Brandon Bussi earns his first playoff shutout, coming in a series-clincher. Taylor Hall and Jackson Blake had huge games to help lead the way. Nikolaj Ehlers with the exclamation...

The Carolina Hurricanes are ONE WIN AWAY from bringing their second-ever Stanley Cup to Raleigh after their 4-2 win in Game 5. It was their most complete Hurricanes win of the series, coming at the right time after winning back-to-back games. What stood out in the win, and how does this set up for a huge moment on Sunday night for Game 6? On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on it being the most complete win for the Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup Final. After being down 1-0 in the first...

The Carolina Hurricanes are seeking to take a 3-2 series lead after Thursday night's Game 5. What are the big storylines heading into Game 5 back in Raleigh as the Hurricanes look to take their first lead of the Stanley Cup Final? Who needs to step up, and who should we watch from the Hurricanes to continue their impact? On the Thursday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the goalie situation once again, but this time for Game 5. While Rod Brind'Amour stated that they wanted to give Frederik Andersen more rest to be...

The Carolina Hurricanes won Game 4, 5-3, to even up the Stanley Cup Final at two games apiece. Who stood out, what stood out, and what are the big storylines as the series shifts back to Raleigh for Game 5? On the Wednesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the Hurricanes' 5-3 win on Tuesday night to even the Stanley Cup Final at 2-2. Jordan Staal had himself a night, scoring two goals in the process. How huge has the Captain been this series, setting milestones in the process? Secondly, how huge was...

It's a must-win Game 4 for the Carolina Hurricanes as they seek to avoid going 3-1 in the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights. They have not lost back-to-back games in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs; does that streak stay alive on Tuesday night? What are the main storylines heading into Game 4 as the Hurricanes hope to split on the road in Las Vegas before returning home for Game 5 on Thursday? On the Tuesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the first of two main storylines heading into Game 4: the lines...

This Stanley Cup Final has had it all through three games. Multiple lead changes, multiple comebacks, goals overturned, and so much more. Game 3 was no exception, as the Hurricanes erased a four-goal deficit to go from down 4-0 to tie it 4-4 and force overtime. However, they would lose in double overtime, 5-4, after a bad bounce went off Brandon Bussi and into the net. Despite the ending, how much of an instant classic did Game 3 become? Also, what stood out in the loss that indicates that the Hurricanes can bounce back in Game 4? On the Monday Edition of...

We got a series now! The Carolina Hurricanes erased a two-goal deficit to win 4-3 in overtime. For 50 minutes, the Hurricanes did not have a goal, but once Logan Stankoven gave them life, they scored three unanswered to take the lead. In the end, it was Seth Jarvis being the overtime hero to secure the Hurricanes' first Stanley Cup Final win since 2006. On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on how the Hurricanes just kept playing their style all games. Even when down 2-0 with less than 10 minutes left, they...

It's gameday once again as it's Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. The Carolina Hurricanes will be looking to even the series 1-1 before it shifts to Las Vegas on Saturday. That said, what adjustments are the Hurricanes going to make? After learning what went wrong on Tuesday, how can they make those solutions and tweaks, then go take Game 2 at home? On the Thursday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on how the Hurricanes will make adjustments ahead of Game 2 Thursday night. While at the off-day media availability, a few players...

While the Carolina Hurricanes took a 2-0 lead in the first period, they ultimately lost Game 1, 5-4, to the Vegas Golden Knights. Despite the loss, the Hurricanes showed that they can beat these guys. Once they clean up the small mistakes, the Hurricanes will take some games from Vegas as the series goes on. What stood out in Game 1 to give the sense that the Hurricanes have a solid chance to even the series on Thursday night? On the Wednesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on Game 1 as a whole. The...

It's finally here, Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Who will come out on top in the end as the 2026 Stanley Cup Champions? It's a special crossover edition as we discuss all things Stanley Cup Final hockey. On the Stanley Cup Final Crossover Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach joins Chris from Locked On Golden Knights as the guys discuss the big storylines heading into the final round of the 2026 NHL Playoffs. How did both teams get here? Who stepped up along the way? Secondly, the guys discuss key players for both sides throughout the playoffs. Who should fans...

The Carolina Hurricanes are now four wins away from winning their second Stanley Cup in franchise history. Before Game 1 on Tuesday in Raleigh, what has the journey done to get them ready for this moment? What has stood out through the 13 games as the Hurricanes look to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights? On the Monday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on how the Hurricanes' journey has been one of showing that this team is ready for what's coming their way in the Stanley Cup Final. While they did sweep two teams...

The Carolina Hurricanes are heading back to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2006! They defeated the Montreal Canadiens 6-1 in Game 5 to punch their ticket for the first time in 20 years! What stood out in the win, and what does it mean for the team, franchise, and everyone? On the Eastern Conference Final Saturday Special Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on how the Hurricanes absolutely DOMINATED the Canadiens again, winning 6-1 en route to their first Stanley Cup Final since 2006. Between the Junkyard Dog line, Frederik Andersen, and...

The Carolina Hurricanes are on the brink of making the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 20 years. Heading into Game 5, they have a 3-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Final for their first chance to advance to the ultimate dance since 2006. That said, what do they need to do to accomplish something that's been a long road since that fateful night in 2006? On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on how the Hurricanes need to replicate what they've been doing since Game 2, especially with how they locked...

The Carolina Hurricanes are one win away from reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2006. They utterly dominated the Montreal Canadiens in Game 4, shutting them out 4-0. From puck drop, it was all Hurricanes as they controlled all facets of the game. That being said, what stood out in the win? On the Thursday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on how the Hurricanes imposed their will on the Canadiens, shutting them down to only 18 shots all game, while having 19 shots alone in the third period. Furthermore, instead of...

The Carolina Hurricanes are looking to take a 3-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Final on Wednesday night at the Bell Centre. After winning Game 3 on Monday night in overtime, can they do it again and take both games on the road? What do they need to do to secure the win and be one step closer to the Stanley Cup Final? On the Wednesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on how the Hurricanes will need to replicate what they did on Monday night in Game 3, but tweak a few...

The Carolina Hurricanes take a 2-1 series lead after winning ANOTHER game 3-2 in overtime. This time, it was Andrei Svechnikov with the overtime heroics for his second goal of the playoffs. What stood out in a wild Game 3 that saw goals taken off the board and multiple questionable penalty calls and non-calls? Also, how does this win give the Hurricanes all the momentum in the series heading into Wednesday night's Game 4? On the Tuesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the Hurricanes' Game 3 overtime win, their second consecutive 3-2 win...

The Carolina Hurricanes tied the Eastern Conference Final by winning Game 2 Saturday night, 3-2 in overtime! What a game from Nikolaj Ehlers, who was the hero with the overtime game-winning goal. What stood out in the win, and how can the Hurricanes take a 2-1 series lead on Monday night's Game 3? On the Monday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the Hurricanes' Game 2 win in overtime, which seems to be the norm with three straight wins in overtime in the second game of a series. More importantly, how clutch was Ehlers...

Game 1 did not go the way the Carolina Hurricanes expected, as they lost 6-2 in a rout at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens. Of the five goals given up by Frederik Andersen, none can be attributed to him. That said, what went wrong for the Hurricanes? On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on how Game 1 went for the Hurricanes. When it comes down to it, the Hurricanes did not look like they were ready to go, just gifting the Canadiens free chances to the net in the first...

It's an Eastern Conference Final Gameday for the Carolina Hurricanes as they take on the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 on Thursday night. After almost two weeks of waiting, it's go time. Zach is joined by Hurricanes play-by-play and CanesCast co-host Mike Maniscalco to preview Game 1 and the ECF as a whole. On the Thursday Eastern Conference Final Crossover Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach & Mike begin the show by getting Mike's thoughts going into Game 1 for the Hurricanes. What makes this time different compared to others? What will he be watching out for in Game 1? Secondly, Zach & Mike discuss...

It's finally here, the Eastern Conference Final Crossover Special with Laura from Locked On Canadiens. Zach and Laura preview the upcoming series between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Montreal Canadiens. How did both teams make it to the ECF, and who can make a difference as both teams look to punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final? On the Wednesday Eastern Conference Final Crossover Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach & Laura discuss how both teams made it to the ECF after their first two rounds of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. What were the main reasons for the success...

At long last, the Eastern Conference Final is set. The Carolina Hurricanes will take on the Montreal Canadiens for the third time in the playoffs since relocation. While the 2025-26 regular season stats don't matter, what can the Hurricanes learn from those games and make adjustments to get the series win and move on to the Stanley Cup Final? It's a preview before the crossover series preview! On the Tuesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on how the Hurricanes can learn from their mistakes during the regular season against the Canadiens...

While we do know when Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final will be for the Carolina Hurricanes, we don't know who they'll be facing. That said, regardless of who they face, what are the early thoughts on the Hurricanes heading into their third conference final appearance in four seasons? On the Monday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on how this is the healthiest and most complete Hurricanes team to head into the ECF in the Rod Brind'Amour era. After the previous two appearances, this could be the team that has the...

While the Carolina Hurricanes are still waiting for their Eastern Conference Final opponent, let's discuss early Conn Smythe Favorites. Not only do the Hurricanes have a case for the Conn Smythe, but they have four players who are giving reasons they could be favorites. On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on Frederik Andersen being a Smythe favorite after his brilliant start to the playoffs. Between being 8-0, along with leading the goalies in goals against average, save percentage, and shutout, he's been otherworldly in the crease. After his worst...

As we wait for the Carolina Hurricanes' next opponent in the Eastern Conference Final, let's talk about the first two rounds of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News joins to give his thoughts on Round 1 & 2, plus what he's looking for in the ECF for the Hurricanes. On the Thursday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach & Ryan begin the show by discussing what's been the biggest takeaway for them so far through eight games. From the goaltending to the penalty kill to the dominance of the second line, the Hurricanes are on a historic run. What...

The Carolina Hurricanes signed Charlie Cerrato to a 3-year, entry-level contract on Tuesday. What does it mean for both sides, and is it a win-win deal? On the Wednesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the Cerrato ELC and what it means for the Hurricanes. How does Cerrato fit into the Hurricanes' system after having two stellar seasons at Penn State? Secondly, Zach shares his thoughts on what Cerrato can bring to the Chicago Wolves. His two-way style fits the system so well, and he could be an instant impact player...

The Carolina Hurricanes are still getting the "cakewalk" narrative, even after going 8-0 to begin the playoffs. Why don't they ever get the credit they deserve? On the Tuesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on how the Hurricanes are still not getting the respect they deserve after sweeping the Ottawa Senators and the Philadelphia Flyers. The usual narrative is that the Stanley Cup Playoffs are the hardest to win a championship, but now it's a "cakewalk" for the Hurricanes. If it's a cakewalk, how is no other team (Colorado) not getting...

The Carolina Hurricanes punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference Final for the second straight playoffs, and third time in four seasons. What stood out in Game 4 and Round 2 as the Hurricanes' stay undefeated through two rounds of the playoffs. On the Monday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on how the Hurricanes punched their ticket to their third Eastern Conference Final in four seasons. Furthermore, Zach discusses how the Canes joined some elite company, going 8-0 through the first two rounds and holding teams to 10 goals through eight games. Secondly, Zach...

The Carolina Hurricanes take a 3-0 stranglehold on their Round 2 matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers, winning 4-1 in Game 3. Between Frederik Andersen, the special teams, and a total team win, what does it mean for the Canes as they are one step closer to another sweep and the Eastern Conference Final? On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on how the special teams were the main component of the Hurricanes' winning Game 3. Between two power plays and one shorthanded goal, it gave the Hurricanes some life, knowing that they can...

After a couple of days off, Game 3 for the Carolina Hurricanes is finally upon us. The Hurricanes look to take a 3-0 stranglehold on the series against the Philadelphia Flyers. While they did win Game 2 in a comeback, what do they need to do to win Game 3? That said, what are the storylines heading into Thursday's game? On the Thursday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on how special teams will be a key component once again. The Hurricanes' penalty kill went 6-for-7, while the power play went 1-for-6. How can they...

The Carolina Hurricanes are 2-0 in Round 2 and are 6-0 in the playoffs. That said, what are the three main takeaways about the Hurricanes through two games of Round 2? On the Wednesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on how, analytically, the Hurricanes have been a better team. The numbers are proving why the Hurricanes should be up in the series like they are. Who have been the best lines for the Hurricanes so far in Round 2? Secondly, Zach shares his thoughts on some players playing well and how they've been impactful...

The Carolina Hurricanes take a 2-0 series lead after defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 in overtime. It was the first time in all the playoffs that the Hurricanes had to come back from behind. In the end, they came back from 2-0 down to secure the win. What stood out in the game? On the Tuesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on Game 2 as a whole. From the early deficit to Nikolaj Ehlers' PPG to the Seth Jarvis and Taylor Hall goals, a lot was going on in the game. Also...

The Carolina Hurricanes take a 1-0 series lead after winning 3-0 against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night. The second line dominates again, and Frederik Andersen continues to play lights-out hockey. What stood out in the win? What should we expect for Game 2? On the Monday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach begins the show by sharing his thoughts on the Hurricanes' Game 1 shutout win. What stood out in the game that saw the second line dominate again, Andersen being a brick wall, and a total of 68 PIMs given out? Who impressed Zach the most over the course of...

As we wait for the Round 2 schedule between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Philadelphia Flyers, let's discuss all things surrounding both teams. From the regular season to the playoffs and more. This time, we have a special guest. On the Friday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach is joined by The Athletic & North State Journal's Cory Lavalette as both guys give their thoughts on the Hurricanes' playoffs so far. What did Cory see in Round 1 that gives him a sense of how this playoff run is different for the Hurricanes? Secondly, after seeing some of the Flyers and Pittsburgh...

After waiting a few extra days, we finally know the opponent for the Carolina Hurricanes. The Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 1-0 in Game 6 to win their series 4-2. For the first time, the Hurricanes will take on the Flyers in the postseason. What can we see from the regular season as we do a light review on it before the Round 2 crossover with Locked On Flyers? On the Thursday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach starts the show by sharing his thoughts on how it's the first Stanley Cup Playoff meeting between the Hurricanes and Flyers. Furthermore...

While the Carolina Hurricanes still wait for their Round 1 opponent, let's discuss what hopefully happens in Round 2, regardless of who they face. On the Wednesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach starts the show by sharing his thoughts on how the Hurricanes' power play needs to refind it's form after finishing 4th in the league during the regular season. As of now, it's tied for 11th at 13.3% with the Philadelphia Flyers. Regarding the penalty kill, it's humming along as the second-best in the playoffs. Can the man-advantage get to that level next round? Secondly, Zach shares his thoughts on...

While the Carolina Hurricanes wait on who they'll face in Round 2, let's look back on Round 1. When taking a look again at Round 1, who are the three stars against the Ottawa Senators?  Was it a whole line? Was it goaltending? Depth maybe? On the Tuesday Edition of Locked On Hurricanes, Zach starts the show by sharing his thoughts on his combined 3rd Star of Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake. The two young players played well throughout the series. Could one of them be moved higher? Could someone else have made the three-star list? Why does it make sense to c...