Only eight teams made it into May, and the Carolina Hurricanes are one of them. Tonight, they kick off their Eastern Conference semifinals series with the Bruins in Boston, hoping to catch a long-idle team off guard in Game 1.
But standing in their way are two of the NHL's most dominant players this season — Norris Trophy candidate Zdeno Chara and Vezina frontrunner Tim Thomas — plus a top-to-bottom solid supporting cast that mixes youth, experience and grit.
Also, please visit Stanley Cup Of Chowder for a Bruins perspective.
Game 1 Previews And News
Canes Country: Great expectations - Canes think they can win • Plenty of links between Bruins and Hurricanes
News & Observer: Canes rising stars are the key now • DeCock: Culture makes a comeback • Defense, depth will test Carolina • A recap of the regular season matchups• Canes' keys to victory • Career paths weave a tangled web
Boston Globe: B's figure to raze Canes • The waiting game is over • Staal has been stalled by Chara • Hurricanes to watch • Round 2 lineup talk
Boston Herald: Bruins can't wait to play tonight • Aaron Ward OK with friendly faces• Chara has Staal tactic • Bruins-Hurricanes matchups • Real test begins for Bruins • Five keys for the Bruins
Worcester Telegram: Carolina is on Ward's mind • Spotlight shines between the pipes
NHL.com: Thomas' story made for the big screen
CarolinaHurricanes.com: Hurricanes-Bruins preview (AP) • Giant vs. giant
The Hockey News: Second round prognostications
WRALSportsFan.com: Stories, audio and video
850 The Buzz: Ray Whitney in The Jungle • LaRose expects to be first guy sucker-punched by Ward
From The Rink: Who will win the Cup? (poll, and Carolina doesn't fare well)
Puck Daddy: Pop quiz preview: Bruins vs. Hurricanes • Round 2 prognostications
ESPN.com: Buccigross: Second round ... here we come! • Experts' picks
USA Today: Carolina at Boston