The Carolina Hurricanes were one of only two NHL teams to vote against the proposed 24-team playoff format. Jordan Martinook, one of the Canes’ alternate captains, explained that he and his team believed this configuration was unfair because they felt they shouldn’t have to participate in the initial round.
But did they genuinely feel that the format was unjust, or did they just want to avoid a qualifying-round matchup with their kryptonite — the New York Rangers?
If the latter is the case, I don’t blame them. Their fear of facing the Blueshirts is warranted.