NHL Notes And Update

Though Carolina (Hurricanes, one more time that area has an NFL team whose nickname is (also) the Panthers) won last night, the defending champion, Florida Panthers still hold a seemingly commanding 3 games to 1 lead in their “semi.”

The “Caro” win snapped an almost incredible 15 games “semis” loss skein, with 7 of those successive defeats, vs the Panthers.

“Fla” was also up (3-0) vs Edmonton (Oilers) (short schrift to “Edm,” which leads Dallas (Stars) (2-1) making a rematch of last year’s final, (it would be the first since Detroit and then Pittsburgh won the respective ’08 and ’09 crowns vs each other) the most likely of the 4 final round matchup possibilities), in last year’s final, before being forced to a #7 at home, (they won it (2-1) to claim their first NHL crown.

If the Oilers do prevail vs the Stars in their semi-final series, a rematch of a previous 7 games Oilers’ final round series loss will manifest, as Carolina with current coach Rod Brind’Amour their captain won their lone title vs “Edm,” in 2006.