The Hurricanes clinched a playoff berth for the first time since the 2005-06 season with their overtime win Saturday over Pittsburgh. The team's focus is now on a battle for fourth place in the Eastern Conference and first-round home ice advantage.
Away from the NHL, the River Rats' slide continues and Carolina's CHL prospects have a rough weekend in the semifinals of the playoffs.
Hurricanes News
Canes Country: Carolina defense rates among league's best
News & Observer: Canes' foot on the gas
CarolinaHurricanes.com: Surprisingly, home ice a possibility • Playoff tickets on sale Tuesday
Puck Daddy: Note on Cam Ward (saying he's the only reason Carolina is making the playoffs)
London Free Press: Maurice's sacrifices have worked out for Carolina
Bleacher Report: Dark horse in the East
NESN: Ward, Canes punch playoff ticket
Fanhouse: Cam Ward leading Carolina once again
Albany River Rats
Albany Times Union: Rats slip in second period, then tumble
CHL Playoffs
Belleville Bulls (lead series with Niagara 2-1): Win Game 2 • Lose Game 3
Plymouth Whalers (trail series with Windsor 2-1): Lose Game 2 • Lose Game 3
Lethbridge Hurricanes (trail series with Calgary 2-0): Lose Game 1 • Lose Game 2
Spokane Chiefs (trail series with Vancouver 2-0): Lose Game 1 • Lose Game 2 (Drayson Bowman scores lone Chiefs goal)