[Cobra Mgr]

Tonight starts the ECF. I think the run for my Canes ends this series. The problem is the Panthers has the same strengths as Carolina. But with better players.

I don't think Carolina is that far off from the defending champs. And I think the job this team did after needing to replace a quarter of the team to start the year, the revolving door & inconsistency in the net, & the self imposed headache from the Ratanen trade should get high praise. This should have been a rebuilding year. Now they have reached the "Final 4" w/a number of rooks (Stankoven, Blake, Morrow, Nikishin) getting valuable experience along the way. And they should have $ to spend in the FA market as Burns, Orlov & Fast are probably coming off the books in 2025-26.

But before all that, Canes have a tough job ahead w/Florida. Biggest key: Andersen must continue to play like he has this postseason. It is essential. His counterpart, Bobrovsky is made for this time of year. Half of the reason Florida swept Carolina in '23 was that they had Bobo in net. Mr. Andersen needs to match him save for save.

What is also needed is an individual player to break out. Tkachuk was the other half of the reason for the sweep 2 seasons ago. Carolina's strength is their whole is bigger than their parts sum. Well they need someone to step beyond his boundaries in this one. Doesn't matter who it is. Top line player, defenseman, rookie, veteran, role player. Somebody needs to approach a point & a half average in this series, minimum. Carolina's depth will not be the overwhelming advantage it was in the 1st 2 series.

Talent will be the diff.