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Even 24 hours later, it may not still feel real that the Carolina Hurricanes erased a 3-0 deficit against the New York Islanders in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but that's exactly what happened on Monday night, as Carolina took a 2-0 series lead. The win helped the team protect home ice, and in the process, became the first time since 2006 when they won the Stanley Cup, that they erased a 3-0 deficit in the postseason. What the comeback win even more impressive is that it was done with an unusual line, one that didn't get much run in the postseason, making it easier for Canes fans to believe that this is the year for them to break through in the Eastern Conference, and return to the Stanley Cup Final, which is the expectation, as they entered the season the favorite to win the Stanley Cup, and they entered the postseason the favorite as well.
Ever since the Charlotte Hornets began their search for a new head coach, Dawn Staley has been a name that fans, and those in the basketball community have pondered as a potential candidate for the opening. Earlier this month, Staley led South Carolina women's program to their national championship under her watch, and a perfect season, after dispatching Iowa in the championship game. After the win, Staley was visibly emotional, but it was uncertain as to why, because she had won national championships before, many believe it was her hinting that she was moving on to another job, maybe in the NBA and the WNBA.
It's been over a week since the 2023-24 season came to an end for the Charlotte Hornets, after a 21-61 season, that went sideways after another rash of injuries made it hard for the team to compete in the Eastern Conference. The lone bright spot from the disastrous season came in the form of rookie Brandon Miller, who validated Charlotte's decision to draft him #2 overall last summer. Miller played in 74 games as a rookie, averaging 17.3 points, on 44% shooting, and 37% from behind the three-point line. Last night, it was announced that Miller was a finalist for the Rookie of the Year award, which will ultimately end up in the hands of Victory Wembmanyama.
With six of their next eight games at home, it's important for Charlotte FC to take advantage to put themselves in the best position possible to make the postseason this year. The homestand got off to a great start with a thrilling 3-2 win over Toronto, headlined by Liel Abada's first MLS goal with Charlotte. The win vaulted FC into the top 8 of the Eastern Conference table, and they are off to their best 8-match start in club history, as they've earned 11 points under new manager, Dean Smith. This week, Charlotte FC steps into the national spotlight, as they'll host Minnesota, the first time they've faced the Western Conference opponent.
After a disappointing result over the weekend at New England, Charlotte FC returns home, looking for a win over Toronto, to get back on track. The return home is a welcome sight, as Charlotte FC will play six of their next eight games at home, a place that FC has only lost once in their last 20 home matches. A big reason for FC's slow start has been the inability to capitalize on the scoring chances that they've created, a sign that they haven't fully adapted to Dean Smith's system.
The Stanley Cup Playoffs are considered the best playoffs in sports, and believe it or not, they are right around the corner, as the NHL regular season is winding down. Entering the 2023-24 season, the Hurricanes were the favorite to win their first Stanley Cup since the 2000s, after making the Eastern Conference Final last season. After a slow start to the season, the Hurricanes have rounded into form, and along with the Rangers, are among the favorites to come out of the East in the 2024 playoffs.
Monday was a rough day for Panther fans, as they saw Brian Burns get traded away to the Giants, and not get a first-round pick in return, and they saw Frankie Luvu leave the team in free agency, signing with Washington. While Carolina added two offensive linemen to help protect Bryce Young, it didn't do enough to help overcome the loss of two of the better defensive players on the team. Yesterday though, Dan Morgan was active, looking to get Brycec Young a weapon in the passing game, and he found one in the form of Diontae Johnson, striking a trade that involved a pick swap, along with sending Donte Jackson in Pittsburgh, finding a willing trade partner, before outright cutting him.
Tonight, the greatest rivalry in sports renews itself, as Duke hosts North Carolina, in the second top-10 matchup between the two rivals this season. Carolina has already earned a share of the ACC regular season title, but with a win over Duke, they'd outright with the league for the first time since 2017. As for Duke, they are looking to earn a share of the regular season title, and with various different tiebreakers, they could end up being the #1 seed in the ACC Tournament next week.
After an off-season that saw the Carolina Panthers trade up to draft Bryce Young with the #1 overall pick, combined with putting together an All-Star caliber coaching staff, competing for an NFC South division title wasn't out of the question, in Year One for Frank Reich. Instead, Carolina is off to its second-ever 0-6 start, and as they enter the bye week, the first change we saw made was Reich officially giving play-calling duties, turning that responsibility over to Thomas Brown. While Reich stated earlier today in a press conference that, that will be the only move on the coaching staff this week, the job security of Scott Fitterer has been called into question, as many Panthers would like to the general manager out of a job, after putting together this roster.
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