The Carolina Hurricanes have been a popular pick to go far in the Stanley Cup playoffs in recent years, but they’ve fallen short of that goal. And Adam Proteau says ‘Canes goalie Frederik Andersen is now feeling the heat, while star center Sebastian Aho is locked into place in Carolina for the long term.

This is the latest edition in THN.com’s Hot Seat Radar series. In this file, we’re examining the Carolina Hurricanes.

In each file of the Hot Seat Radar series, we’re identifying someone on the ‘hot seat’ who’s dealing with a notable amount of pressure to produce positive results or face fallout that could put their relationship with their team in jeopardy. As well, we’re also pointing out someone on the ‘cold seat’ who’s untouchable and will be around for the long run.

The Hurricanes have undergone a change in management, with longtime GM Don Waddell moving on to the same role in Columbus and being replaced by former assistant GM Eric Tulsky. But expectations on the team are higher than ever, and if the ‘Canes can’t go on a deeper playoff run than the recent ones –  losing twice in the second round in two of the past three post-seasons – there could be bigger changes ahead for Carolina. Let’s get to it:

Hurricanes’ Hot Seat: Frederik Andersen, G

We’re not here to convince you that the reason this interaction of the Hurricanes hasn’t won a single game in the third round of the playoffs is because Andersen has lost them crucial games. The 34-year-old goaltender has battled health issues that limited him to only 16 regular-season appearances this past year, but when he was healthy enough to play, he had a 1.84 goals-against average and .932 save percentage.

That said, those individual numbers ballooned to a 2.62 G.A.A. and a .895 SP in 10 playoff games last spring. Indeed, Andersen didn’t lose Carolina any games, but it’s also true that he didn’t win them any either. And now that he’s entering the final season of a contract that carries a $3.4-million cap hit, Andersen is in an uncomfortable position that could get even more uncomfortable, especially if 25-year-old understudy Pyotr Kochetkov – who is signed for the next three years at a $2-million cap hit – earns more playing time.

Andersen has shown flashes of brilliance over the course of his 11-year NHL career, but he isn’t regarded as a top-five or even a top-10 netminder because the playoff results he’s had just aren’t elite enough. If he can’t get to a higher level of performance in Carolina this season, the Hurricanes will probably move on from him, let Kochetkov assume the starter’s role, and go from there. So yes, Andersen is under extreme pressure to play as well as he ever has, if not better. And if he can’t, the end of the line in Carolina will arrive for him at season’s end, if not sooner.

Hurricanes’ Cold Seat: Sebastian Aho, C

The 27-year-old Aho posted 36 goals in 78 games last year, powering the ‘Canes to a second-place finish in the Metropolitan Division. But he’s now entering a new era, and he’s entering the first year of an eight-year contract extension in which his salary has risen from $8.46 million to $9.75 million. Expectations are going to rise with the salary increase, but that doesn’t for a second mean Aho is in danger of being traded. To the contrary, he’s as safe as any Hurricane player and that’s not about to change anytime soon.

Aho’s 53 assists and 89 points last season were career-bests, but there’s still a sense the Finnish native can ratchet up his game and lead Carolina to heights not seen since they won a Cup in 2005-06. He’s already demonstrated he’s a top-level competitor, but now it’s about converting that success into post-season glory. In any case, Aho is a cornerstone component of the Hurricanes until further notice and any success the ‘Canes have is going to have major contributions from him.