This from McIndoe of the Athletic, on the subject of how worried fans of particular teams are in terms of their team's place in the world right now:
Carolina Hurricanes
Worry level: Mild
Wait a minute, why aren’t they in the lowest [Worry] tier? They’re the only play-in team that’s booked their spot in the next round. But here’s the thing: They’re in the next round. That means it’s time to stop thinking about the play-in opponent you know you can beat, and start worrying about the next one that’s going to be tougher. Who will it be? Who should you want? Who should you fear? Wait, did they win too fast and now they’ll be rusty for the next round? Oh no, this is only getting worse …
I don't think so. We've already pulled an upset in the play-in series (according to way too many), and we are going into the next series again as the underdog, the position from which Carolina relishes the fight. We've made the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time since I first became a daily fan (and I'm old), and we got a series win in both years (even if it's not technically true this year...yet). Furthermore, *everything* you see coming out of Canesland just oozes confidence; they look relaxed yet focused, loose but intent on the goal.
I ain't worried 'bout nothing. Brown, go down.