The Carolina Hurricanes were one of the best stories in the NHL this past season, and their "Storm Surge" celebrations were one of the biggest reasons why.
From pretending to play other sports to channeling a superhero, the on-ice routines that so angered certain pundits ultimately cemented the Hurricanes as the undisputed kings of fun in 2018-19.
Here's a truly scientific evaluation of 10 of the team's best victory celebrations:
10. Whale of a time
It was only fitting that on Whalers Night in late December, the Hurricanes paid further tribute to their previous incarnation by flopping to the ice in whale-like fashion. Even Hartford mascot Pucky the Whale took part.
9. Bunch of Jerks
This one was more about the statement it made than the complexity of the routine.
On Feb. 26, a mere 10 days after Hockey Night in Canada's Don Cherry called the team a "bunch of jerks" over their celebrations, and shortly after the club had already revealed T-shirts bearing that phrase, the Hurricanes took their new rallying cry to the next level.
Tossing the shirts to the fans further underscored the point that the team wasn't trying to show anyone up, but rather that the surges were all for the club's supporters.
8. Thor's hammer
With Brock McGinn playing the role of Thor, the Hurricanes executed a solid homage to the Asgardian character of the comics and the silver screen.
McGinn nailed the follow-through as well as the pose, and his teammates falling down in unison made this one truly memorable.
7. Gone fishin'
This one worked really well, from tossing out the "line" to catching the "fish".
We couldn't help but crack up watching Jordan Martinook's teammates try to pull him out of the "water," and it wouldn't be the only time in these routines that the Hurricanes would team up to move the nearly 200-pound winger around (more on that later).
6. Limbo
This surge exemplified what the exercise was all about. It was an original idea that involved the entire team, and it showcased the squad's collective fun-loving spirit like few other victory celebrations.
5. Bowling
The Hurricanes performed a different bowling-inspired surge 11 days before this one, with Andrei Svechnikov sliding down the ice and his teammates forming the imaginary lane.
This version was much better, though, for a couple of reasons.
For one, having the players line up as pins made for a much funnier finish. Also, credit captain Justin Williams for actually managing to hit the No. 1 "pin" when he rolled his helmet along the ice.
4. The walk-off
Much like another surge below, this one gets major points for timeliness.
On Feb. 15, with pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training facilities across Major League Baseball, the Hurricanes pulled off one of their best efforts.
From "pitcher" Dougie Hamilton's disappointed reaction to "hitter" Warren Foegele's bat flip and the team's celebration at "home plate," they all hit this one out of the park.
3. Duck Hunt
Setting aside the fact that only two members of the 2018-19 Hurricanes were born when this classic NES game was released in 1984, this particular surge was one of the team's most creative.
From the video board projection, to the sticks as guns, to the players tossing their gloves in the air to serve as the "ducks" being hunted, this live video-game re-enactment was chock full of nostalgia for '80s kids.
2. Holyfield 'KOs' Martinook
This one had something none of the other surges could boast: heavyweight star power. Getting Evander Holyfield to take part in the first place was a coup, but the routine itself was brilliant.
The champ's early "knockout" of Martinook was great, but the visual of the forward getting pulled off the ice by his teammates afterward was just as good.
All the Hurricanes were missing here was Michael Buffer.
1. March Madness
This basketball-themed surge was terrific for several reasons. Firstly, it was timely, as it came in the midst of the NCAA basketball tournament and in the hoops-obsessed state of North Carolina, no less.
Secondly, there was the degree of difficulty. We've never tried playing pick-up ball on skates - let alone throwing down a dunk - but that doesn't look easy.
Thirdly, they used real equipment instead of just miming the sport. Props for authenticity.
Lastly, playing "One Shining Moment" over the PA system was the icing on the cake. Well done, 'Canes.
Honorable mentions: "Duck, Duck, Goose," Quidditch, curling, dominoes, and the very first surge.
