The Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins kick off their Eastern Conference Finals series tonight at Mellon Arena. Both teams are coming off grueling conference semifinals series but have to refocus for Game 1.
Also, be sure to check out our lunchtime live chat from noon to 1 p.m. Bubba and I will answer your questions and try and get everyone ready for tonight's game.
Canes Country: Who is Dan Bylsma? • Crossing Paths: Staal Brothers Aren't The Only Ones Who Know Each Other
New York Times: Partisan Preview: Pittsburgh vs. Carolina (The Times again asked us to weigh in on the series)
Pensburgh: On roster alignment and why we should all be happy this is about to begin
News & Observer: Canes' next stop: Pittsburgh • DeCock: Can Cam Ward make the difference? • Who has the edge? • How the Canes can beat the Penguins • Carolina's keys to success
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins' postseason brings out best in Crosby • Penguins Notebook: Gonchar expects to play in Game 1 • Hurricanes' Locker Room: Carolina playing its best hockey • Collier: Staying five on five the Penguins' best plan • Crosby wants just one tag
NHL.com: Staal in the family • Coming up big while short • 'Cardiac' 'Canes eye up Pens • Sid at his best in postseason • Ward's impressive playoff resume • PIT / CAR series blog • Brains Behind The Bench: Dan Bylsma • Brains Behind The Bench: Paul Maurice • Who will win?
From The Rink: The bracket racket: Round 3 predictions
Puck Daddy: Puck Daddy's Stanley Cup Round 3 staff prognostications • East Finals Preview: 10 things to know about Carolina vs. Pittsburgh
WRALSportsFan.com: Stories, video and audio
850 The Buzz: Game One: Morning One • Walker Gets Final Say
CarolinaHurricanes.com: Brind'Amour Expected to Play • Staal vs. Staal: Playoff Style • Droschak: Canes' GM Does it Again
TSN.ca: Staal brothers ready to go head-to-head • Gonchar optimitic he can play in Game 1
ESPN.com: Different expectations in East finals • Buccigross: Previewing the conference finals
Globe & Mail: Staal v. Staal: Good for hockey, bad for family get-togethers
Beaver County Times: Having a Whale of a time rooting for Canes