Long Layoff Leaves Hurricanes Flat in First Playoff Loss

Carolina is already staring at the downside of a long break, and the quote says the quiet part out loud - they were not ready. That is the kind of postgame line that makes coaches wince because it points straight at preparation, not just execution. The Hurricanes had time to rest, but rest can turn into rust if a team loses its competitive edge. Now they have to prove that Game 1 was an exception and not the first crack in the foundation.