2003–04 Carolina Hurricanes season
On December 15, 2003, head coach Paul Maurice was fired after an 8–12–8–2 start to the season and replaced by former New York Islanders head coach Peter Laviolette.[2] The Hurricane player who scored the final game-tying goal to make it 6–6 was defenseman Brad Fast, who was playing in his first and what proved to be his only NHL game.[4] The Hurricanes finished 30th overall in the NHL in scoring for the second consecutive season, with just 172 goals for.[5] Note: CR = Conference rank; GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; OTL = Overtime loss; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; Pts = Points Bolded teams qualified for the playoffs.[46] The Lowell Lock Monsters are the Hurricanes American Hockey League affiliate for the 2003–04 AHL season.