As the Carolina Hurricanes continue to make a push toward the Stanley Cup playoffs this season, one thing is clearly noticeable. The rookies and other “young guns” for this team continue to shine among the brightest of NHL stars.

Let’s take a look on a player by player basis:

1. Justin Peters – Peters has not done much of anything at the NHL level this year.. unless you consider that he won in his first NHL game against Johnathan Tavares and the Islanders, ousted Martin Brodeur and the Devils, won in the arena he grew up around in Toronto, beat the best team in the league and out dueled both goaltenders for the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Doesn’t seem like a bad resume for the Hurricanes second-round draft pick in the 2004 Entry Draft. Peters is getting his first shot in the NHL this season due to Cam Ward’s back injury and the release on Michael Leighton on waivers.

Peters has posted a 6-2-0 record so far and his .916 save percentage ranks him ahead of the likes of Olympians Brodeur, Tim Thomas and Jonathan Quick his consistent play has given the Canes a solid one-two punch in the net despite having their franchise goalie on the injured reserve list.

2. Brett Carson – The 24 year-old defenseman has been one of the most dependable blueliners for the Hurricanes this season. Since his December 7th call up to the Canes, Carson has been regularly used during a season in which defenseman seem to depart via trade or injury at a regular basis. He plays between 15 and 20 minutes every game including some time on the power play and the killing penalties. Carson is one of the few players on Carolina’s roster that has a plus statistic. His +4 rating ranks him tied for first with fellow youngster Zach Boychuk for first on the team and it’s easy to tell why.

His two goals this season have both been important ones as well. His first career goal happened to be the game-winner against the Ottawa Senators and his tally against the Capitals tied the game in the third period.

3. Zach Boychuk – Boychuk got a taste on the NHL last season as he had a cameo in two games for the Hurricanes registering no statistics. This season he had to be ready for a larger role. In his 20 games this year, Boychuk has registered three goals and five assists while playing limited minutes on the third and fourth lines. Boychuk has seemingly taken steps toward improving his chances of playing a full season in the big league next year as the Canes try to prepare for the future.

Boychuk has had high expectations on his shoulders ever since the Hurricanes used the 14th overall pick on him in the 2008 Entry Draft. As his duration with the Hurricanes has increased this season, Boychuk has looked more comfortable, even dominating at some points. The Hurricanes hope this is a good sign of things to come from the young 20 year-old as he progresses with his career.

4. Brandon Sutter – Some might think he shouldn’t even be on this list of “young guns.” Those same some forget that Sutter is only 21 and still has many years in front of him. During a horrid 14-game losing streak early in the season, Sutter consistently stuck out as a lone bright spot for the Canes. He has done nothing but score hard-working goals, as well as dazzling scores that leave some thinking he could be considered to be a third “franchise man.” Sutter has worked his way up to a starting spot as centerman on the second line. Impressive for a player who started the season in the AHL playing in Albany.

Sutter has scored 17 goals so far this year and is on pace to crack the 20-goal plateau in just his second season in the league. His first year was cut short due to concussion problems after a hit by the New York Islanders (and former Hurricane) Doug Weight. He struggled through 50 games last year, scoring one goal and totaling six points. This year he has come back a different man. The Valentine’s Day baby has received nothing but love and adoration from both the fan base and his teammates.

5. Jamie McBain – McBain has only played three games in the NHL this year but he is already turning heads. His consistent offensive play and responsible defensive behavior has earned him a spot on the first defensive pairing with Joni Pitkanen. In fact only Pitkanen averages more ice time per game than the young McBain, who is listed as playing 25 minutes each contest. McBain has played up to expectations so far and looks to be a bright spot for the Canes in seasons to come.

His defensive abilities are sound, but his offensive instincts are what everyone seems to be talking about, and for good reason. His defensive hustle and booming slapshot created the opportunity for Ray Whitney to beat the Capitals in overtime and his presence of mind and that same slapshot gave the Canes a thrilling OT win over the Penguins with less than one second remaining in the contest.

These players are just five of the highlights of a young group of extremely talented players that give the Hurricanes reason to be optimistic looking forward. That group could possibly be expanded to give players like Jerome Samson, Oskar Osala, Drayson Bowman, Juri Tlusty, and recent signee Zac Dalpe. Fans also might forget that captain Eric Staal is only 25 and that players such as Bryan Rodney, Alexandre Picard, Jussi Jokinen, and Joni Pitkanen are all 26 or younger. With the young talent that the Canes have and the veteran leadership provided by Ray Whitney (37), Rod Brind’amour (39) and newcomer Brian Pothier (32) it is easy to see a promising future for the Hurricanes and the game of hockey.