7:50 p.m. ET
The teams are on the ice for warmups ahead of this massive game in Raleigh and the fans are ready.
On ESPN, they showed a shot of each team before it went to the ice – Vegas looked like it was nice and loose while you could almost feel the Carolina intensity through the screen.
The concourse was packed about an hour before game time, filled with fans getting their last bits of pregame food and drink.
Of course, they were plenty of fans still outside enjoying another gorgeous day in the South.
One fan I didn’t see on my way to the arena was the “Honk If You Love Hockey” lady. Maybe she was parked in a different spot today.
I also didn’t have time to go see Hamilton the Pig today. Since the Canes lost Game 1 with him in attendance, I wonder if he came today.
That being said, there were free pregame hot dogs for the media today. Hmmm. (Just kidding Hamilton).
Besides the big game here tonight, the other pregame topic of conversation is the report from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet that Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has demanded a trade.
That certainly adds plenty of intrigue to this offseason.
But again, that’s the offseason, big game here tonight.
