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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. 

Yesterday was the final day of the 2023-24 regular season, and as we've known for some time, there won't be playoff basketball in Charlotte once again. After entering the season with optimism of competing in the Eastern Conference, the Hornets slumped to a 21-61 record, after another rash of injuries took the team out of contention by the turn of the calendar. With that though, the atmosphere in and around Spectrum Center, is still a positive one, after the rookie season Brandon Miller compiled, along with the hire of Jeff Peterson in the front office, and a new head coach on the horizon. 

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. 

The 2023-24 NBA season is one to forget for many Hornets fans, after the team was basically eliminated from the postseason, by Christmas for the second straight season. Yes, injuries played a role once again in Charlotte's struggles, but that excuse can only go so far and be used so many times. Even with the struggles this season, there was a chance that head coach Steve Clifford would be back for next season, given his relationship with the new President of Basketball Operations, Jeff Peterson. That skepticism came to an end last week, when Clifford announced that he's stepping down from his role as head coach, for a role in the front office. Charlotte joins Brooklyn and Washington as open jobs as we enter the final week of the regular season, with many more openings projected to become available once the season comes to an end. 

NC State arrives at the Final Four, after a magical March, that was just another example of why it's considered the best month in sports. The Wolfpack made their way to Phoenix. after winning 5 games in 5 days at the ACC Tournament, to earn the automatic bid for the ACC for the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The five-game winning streak, followed a four-game losing streak to end the regular season, bringing into question the job status of Kevin Keatts. After that incredible run, State earned an 11 seed in the Big Dance, and everyone thought they'd be one and done in the NCAA Tournament. Instead, the Wolfpack ripped off four straight wins, to make their first Final Four since winning the 1983 national championship. 

When NC State arrived in Washington, D.C. for the 2024 ACC Tournament, they entered on a four-game losing streak, and questions surrounded the program about the future of Kevin Keatts as the head coach. For just the second time in college basketball history, a team won five games in five days, as State won their first conference title since 1987, to earn the automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. Entering the Big Dance, the question was how far could State ride that momentum, and that answer has resulted in a trip to the Final Four, their first since 1983, completely changing the outlook for Kevin Keatts and the program in general.