RALEIGH, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes opened the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs Monday
The weather was perfect and the first tailgaters turned out just after noon to enjoy it. There was pregame music and kids games and the atmosphere was lively, outside and then inside PNC Arena. It was playoff time.
The game, as so many have been between the Canes and Islanders, was tight-checking, with both teams having to work hard for their offensive chances.