 However, due to many factors, including a shortened off-season due to last season's Stanley Cup run, injuries and disappointing performances from the team's young stars (including Eric Staal and Cam Ward), the team failed to qualify for the post-season becoming the first team since the 1995–96 New Jersey Devils to miss the playoffs after winning the Stanley Cup the previous year.The fans and players had high hopes for that season because the Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup the previous year.Unfortunately, the season ended in disappointment as the Hurricanes missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2003-04 season.