The Carolina Hurricanes lead a Sun Belt dominance of the NHL playoffs

The big picture: Some have expressed worry that this could become a ratings nightmare for the NHL, which started the playoffs with three New York teams, Boston, Los Angeles and Toronto in the hunt.

• But many Canes fans will tell you they're tired of a perceived media bias against Raleigh — a smaller market that has now beaten two New York-area franchises to start the playoffs in the Islanders and Devils.
• Gov. Roy Cooper, a Canes fanatic, called out ESPN on Twitter for "grudgingly acknowledging" the playoff performances of the team, while extolling the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders.

The intrigue: Removed from the glare of the biggest TV markets, though, the Canes stand to get some national kudos for a winning turnaround initiated by owner Tom Dundon and coach Rod Brind'Amour.

• The Hurricanes have now made five straight playoff appearances, and the performance has been rewarded by stellar attendance.

• The Canes drew more total fans (800,566) this season than every team except Montreal, and PNC Arena is dubbed "The Loudest House in the NHL" for a reason.

Bottom line: The success of February's outdoor game at Carter-Finley felt like a high water mark for the Canes under Dundon's ownership.

• This playoff run is pushing it even higher.

What's next: The Canes begin their series against the Florida Panthers at PNC Arena tonight at 8pm.

• The Eastern Conference Final will be a family reunion of sorts. Canes captain Jordan Staal will face off against both of his brothers, Marc and former Canes captain Eric.