NHL PLAYOFFS: 'It's wide open' is the theme as the race to the Stanley Cup begins

General manager Don Waddell likes how his Carolina Hurricanes finished the season, winning 16 of their final 21 games. “Your points get erased and you all start with zeroes,” Waddell said. Unlike last year, when Boston broke league records for the most wins and points in a season, there is no clear favorite to hoist the Stanley Cup. Carolina, Florida, defending champion Vegas, Dallas, Winnipeg, Edmonton and the league-best New York Rangers are among the many contenders who could be the last team standing in June.