As the NHL playoffs heat up, hockey fans are eagerly anticipating the next big upset or Cinderella story. However, one team that's quietly building momentum is the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite their underdog status, experts are making a compelling case for why the Canes have what it takes to hoist the Stanley Cup. With a strong core of veterans and a talented young roster, here are five reasons why the Hurricanes might just be the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. From their stingy defense to their potent offense, we take a closer look at the factors that could propel them to a championship victory.

Five reasons the Hurricanes will win the Stanley Cup  ESPN