In one sense, the Carolina Hurricanes find themselves in familiar territory with their fourth trip to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2002. Only Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay (five appearances apiece) have made it more often during that span. But considering this is the first postseason appearance for the franchise in a decade, it’s not exactly a familiar spot for the current squad.
To advance to the Stanley Cup for the third time in franchise history, the Hurricanes will have to overcome a more experienced, higher paid and deeper team. So what else is new?
Turn up the heat
When playing their best, the Hurricanes are a relentless fore-checking, havoc-wreaking offensive juggernaut that keeps the other team scrambling just to clear the puck.