Of the former Hurricanes in the playoffs, it would be hard to single out a star performer other than Peter Laviolette. The Philadelphia Flyers coach, by trying to climb into the Pittsburgh Penguins’ bench during a late-season meeting between the two future playoff opponents, threw the Penguins way off their game.

Among players, Justin Williams leads the way with three goals in three games for the Kings, who have jumped out to a surprising 3-0 lead over the top-seeded Canucks.

UPDATE, 8:36 A.M. WEDNESDAY: Totally forgot Ian White, whose 39 games for the Hurricanes last season could aptly be described as forgettable. One goal and is minus-2 after Tuesday's games, averaging 18:01 in ice time.

Keith Aucoin landed on his feet, and not far away. After the Canes decided not to offer him a one-way contract, he signed a two-year deal with the Capitals that's a two-way deal in the first year and a one-way contract in the second.

The Caps have plenty of muscle, so Aucoin's skill should be a nice fit there. Tarik El-Bashir has the contract details on his blog. If negotiations with Brooks Laich continue to stall, there could be an NHL roster spot open for Aucoin this season.