Today's lottery gives the NHL's worst teams the right at selecting one of the crown jewels of the 2009 Entry Draft. But for Carolina and the 15 other teams staring at the beginning of the postseason, it's another day of preparing and waiting for their first-round matchups to begin.
Today we look at a lot of previews and predictions from across North America, plus news heading into tomorrow's Game 1.
In the CHL, the Plymouth Whalers (which includes three Canes prospects) were eliminated by the Windsor Spitfires. Belleville (and prospect Mike Murphy) are set to face Brampton, while Drayson Bowman, Justin McCrae and the Spokane Chiefs play Vancouver in a Game 7 tonight.
Carolina Vs. New Jersey First Round Previews And Predictions
The Hockey News (Canes in 7)
TSN (no prediction)
Sportsnet (Canes in 7)
ESPN.com (Canes in 6)
The Star-Ledger (no prediction)
Sporting News (Devils in 7)
Fox Sports (Canes in 6)
Canada.com (Devils in 7)
EA Sports (simulation: Canes in 6; Bruins win Cup; Canes lose in Rd. 2)
Hurricanes News
News & Observer: Canes change just in time • Ward better equipped this time around • Coaching changes can pay off
N&O's Talking Points: Sutter knows Ward
CarolinaHurricanes.com: 99.9 The Fan on the road; playoff guides available
WRALSportsFan.com: Several audio and video files
The Hockey News: Two East series worthy of a coin-flip
ESPN.com: Top players to watch in ‘09 playoffs • Our MVPs for all 30 teams
SI.com: Playoff roundtable
The Star-Ledger: Cam Ward is familiar nemesis to Devils • Brodeur well-rested this time
USA Today: Hurricanes name 6 'Black Aces'
Canadian Press: Hurricanes playoff squad has a familiar feel, look to it
CHL Playoffs
Belleville Bulls: Face Brampton in Eastern Conference championship
Plymouth Whalers (lose series to Windsor 4-2): Lose Game 6
Spokane Chiefs (series with Vancouver tied 3-3): Lose Game 6 in 2OT • Game 7 tonight