Of course in the postseason, everyone is desperate, but Carolina and the Rangers would be the two most desperate teams remaining.
We obviously know the Rangers. President's Trophy, collapse from last season, and some aging players. Carolina is trending in that same direction. They've been banging at the door for years now and haven't broken through. Now, they've gone as all in as they ever have. Tons of UFAs, guys like Burns and Staal aren't getting any younger. This might be the best roster they've put together during this iteration of the Canes.
The biggest of the bunch is that Brind'Amour does not have a deal after this season. Can't tell me that isn't a motivating factor as well.
They're going to need Shesterkin to be lights out. You can also frustrate Carolina quite easily. Svechnikov is the primary target of that frustration. Aho can get that way too.
If they have to play DeAngelo, he needs a heaping portion of the Kakko line, whether it is with Cuylle or Chytil. Punish him below the hashmarks.