John Forslund

It just doesn't work that way, but it did.

So, you know what?

I think it's striking.

I think that's the word.

You know, the series to me we opened with last night was intriguing.

I think now it's striking what has happened, and it's up to Carolina to strike back.

Well, what's different about it is this.

In their previous runs, especially against Florida, the physical side, the intimidation, those traits worked against Carolina, and they played small.

They played small a year ago against Florida.

And most teams did and have and will moving forward.

They just were stung by so many injuries this year.

So if you're not going to adjust to that, which the Hurricanes really didn't do, they

They added Nikolai Ehlers.

They added Keandre Miller.

It provided more depth for what they already had and the way they want to play.

And it worked great in the regular season.

And it worked great through eight playoff games.

And it still might work because what they're up against now is themselves.

You know, they're playing a team that plays like them.

So now all those excuses, if you want to say, well, they're not built to beat the Floridas of the world.