Finally. After what seems like a very long wait, the Stanley Cup playoffs begin today with Carolina visiting Newark to face the Devils in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series. The News & Observer had several articles today, just a piece of the ramped up media coverage Bubba talked about here.
There is also news outside of Raleigh and Newark. In the CHL, Drayson Bowman and Justin McCrae's defense of the Memorial Cup ended with Spokane's dramatic Game 7 loss to Vancouver.
Canes Country: Playoff pick 'em contest
Devils Game 1 Preview Coverage
News & Observer: Get this party started • New team, same hunger • Canes respect Brodeur • This time, Carolina defensemen trade places
The Star-Ledger: Devils anticipating overwhelming support from home fans • Maurice weighs in on playoff series vs. Devils
New York Times: With grit and goals, Parise lifts the Devils
New York Daily News: Brodeur, Devils rested and ready for Hurricanes
Associated Press: Hurricanes-Devils preview
CarolinaHurricanes.com: The Devils — Round 4 • Searching for goals in a tight series • Game Notes
CBC: LaRose: We're just excited to be back
Buffalo News: Detroit, Carolina picked for Finals
WRALSportsFan.com: Canes need vintage Ward to make another Cup run • More articles, audio and video
850 The Buzz: Making adjustments for familiar opponent (audio also)
From The Rink: 2009 Playoff Predictions
Puck Daddy: Series preview
CHL Playoffs
Spokane Chiefs (lose series to Vancouver 4-3): Lose Game 7, 1-0 in OT