When the Hurricanes brought Aaron Ward back in the fold, they hoped to rekindle that 2006 magic. Instead, it turned into a bumpy ride in Raleigh.
If we take the Hartford days into account, the Boston Bruins might be one of the Hurricanes' biggest rivals. Proximity made the Whalers and the Bruins heated, while numerous postseason encounters added fuel to the fire upon their relocation to Raleigh. Their meeting during the 2009 playoffs was a classic, ending with Scott Walker's overtime winner in Game 7.