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As Carolina’s long list of one-time forward prospects fail to make an impact in the NHL, it’s time to reassess the Hurricanes’ draft performance compared to the rest of the NHL.

Commentary:  With a 6-0 win over amateur club PSA Elite, the Carolina RailHawks not only won their first game of the season but moved on in the US Open Cup to host the defending MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy at WakeMed Soccer Park next week.

Commentary:  When Josh Hamilton hit four home runs in one game against the Baltimore Orioles earlier this month, cable customers in his own hometown couldn’t watch the game because of a legal dispute that is now more than seven years old.

Commentary:  The Carolina RailHawks outplayed the Puerto Rico Islanders but drew 1-1, leaving the RailHawks winless in their first nine games of the season.

A study released this week by UNC's College Sport Research Institute found that baseball players were significantly less likely to graduate than their peers, a bigger gap than football players and almost as large as men's basketball. Perhaps of greater concern, large graduation gaps are indicative of conference competitiveness.

Commentary:  The build-up to Amile Jefferson’s college decision, picking Duke over N.C. State and others, may create unrealistic expectations for the 6-foot-8 forward next fall. The Blue Devils, who badly needed him, will be happy to deal with that problem.

Commentary:  Former Carolina Hurricanes forward Justin Williams is back in the conference finals for the first time since he won the Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2006, and his opponents include fellow ex-Canes Ray Whitney and Radim Vrbata

A year ago, the Carolina RailHawks were 5-1-1 in their first seven games. This year, they’re 0-4-3 and in last place in the NASL. With a new coach and an almost entirely new roster, these growing pains really hurt.

Commentary:  Even in the offseason, new North Carolina coach Larry Fedora doesn’t like to slow down that much. Wednesday was a rare day in the office for the coach, whose personal pace may be even faster than his vaunted offense.

Commentary:  “See to Play,” a new book by the Carolina Hurricanes’ eye doctor, Mike Peters, highlights the importance of vision in athletic success.

Commentary:  Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford has declared that owner Peter Karmanos is willing to spend the money on a free agent to play with Eric Staal, and a not-too-subtle whispering campaign has identified New Jersey Devils captain Zach Parise as the No. 1 target.

Commentary:  Amid all of his other accomplishments, all his firsts, all the ground he broke and trails he blazed, it was the connections Dr. LeRoy Walker made that define his legacy.

Commentary:  The NCAA has ruled, the sanctions are in, and even the ACC has roused itself to scold North Carolina’s football program for its indiscretions. A new coaching staff is in place, along with a new athletic director, and the Tar Heels have, for the most part, moved on.

Commentary:  North Carolina State faces a different set of questions at this year’s spring football game. The difference is this year, the Wolfpack thinks it may have all the answers.