In their 56th and final game of the 2021 regular season, the Carolina Hurricanes brought a very second semester senior year vibe.
The Canes rested several lineup regulars in what was effectively a glorified preseason game, and fell 5-0 to their upcoming first-round opponent. Predators goalie Pekka Rinne picked up 24 saves for the shutout.
The most important thing for the Canes was getting through this game without further injury, and they passed that test. Nothing else about Monday night’s result with a shorthanded lineup will have any bearing in round one.
Several lineup regulars on each side sat out of this one.