RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The Carolina Hurricanes hit the ground running, opening the first round of the NHL playoffs Saturday night with a big win at home over the New York Islanders.
Fans who packed PNC Arena to cheer the team on said they have a feeling this just might be the Canes’ year.
One red and black square is up outside PNC Arena, marking the first win on the way to the Stanley Cup.
Fans said this is the momentum the teams need, but many predicted a win over an hour before the puck dropped Saturday.
“The Canes are going to win, at least make it past the first round,” fan Morgan Carney said.
Lifelong Canes fan James Crissey was saying, “We got new blood on the team and it’s going to be a sweep tonight.”
Those predictions were mostly proven correct after the first game, the Canes beating the Islanders 3-1.
“I had to stand up every time I was excited, waving the towel. It was a great experience,” fan Quincy Garner said, adding this is his first playoff game.
Being a Canes fan extends well beyond the rink though.
“It’s kind of like electric even in the parking lot. Everyone’s sitting out having a good time and talking to each other. So it’s really a welcoming and fun environment to be in,” Carney said.
Many fans start tailgating in the morning for a weekend game, and PNC Arena hosts plenty of activities, including a bounce house shaped as – what else? – Stormy the Ice Hog.
“Here it’s so much more exciting, exhilarating and it’s so fun,” fan Asia Garner said.
Sam Bakley said it reminds her of going to college football games.
“Being here, you expect people just come to the games, watch the games and then they go home. But it really is an incredible fan base, so it’s awesome to be a part of that,” she said.
Once the doors open, PNC Arena lives up to its reputation as the loudest house in the NHL.
“The place is so loud you can’t even hear yourself speak,” lifelong fan Crissey said.
Jake Bakley added, “Coming out of here and your ear drums hurt for sure.”
With one win under their belt, Canes fans are even more confident this could be the year the team goes all the way.
“I know the last three times we’ve been to the Eastern Conference finals, haven’t even gotten a win. So this year I think I think we’ll finally get it done,” Jake said.
Quincy added, “So I feel like it’s a great momentum for us going into the second game and also when we go to New York. I plan on the sweep, so I’m not worried about nothing else, I just plan on 4 and 0.”
Fans have a little time to celebrate before the Canes hit the ice again Monday evening. They will still hold on to that home-ice advantage for game two.