The Drive with Tim Donnelly

<p dir="ltr">The Carolina Hurricanes find themselves on the verge of elimination from the Eastern Conference Final of the Stanley Cup Playoffs as they trail the Florida Panthers 3-0 in the series. What do the Hurricanes have to do to win Game 4 tonight and force a Game 5 Friday in Raleigh? Dennis Cox & Louis Fernandez discuss how important a win is in tonight’s game and the carryover that can come with it. </p> <p dir="ltr">Also, WRAL Sports Investigative Reporter Brain Murphy, provides an update on the NC online sports wagering bill after the Senate panel debated changes this afternoon. The House passed House Bill 347 in late March, the next stop is the Senate Finance Committee. According to bill sponsors, it will not be on the Senate floor this week.</p> <p> </p>

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes played an ideal game considering the circumstances of being down 2-0 on the road in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final, except score a goal. The Carolina Panthers and the city of Charlotte are looking to host the NFL Draft. Also, the Denver Nuggets swept the LA Lakers in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final, did we witness the end of LeBron James' career? </p>

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes now find themselves on the edge of elimination from the Eastern Conference Final of the Stanley Cup Playoffs following a 1-0 shutout loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 3. Also, Dennis & Mark "Hit It & Quit It" on various topics of sports including the Nuggets sweeping the Lakers, the Celtics on the verge of being swept by the Heat, and will the NFL Draft be coming to Charlotte after Green Bay?</p> <p>Also, Ken Daneyko, NHL Network, shares his thoughts on the Eastern Conference Final, and Daron Vaught, USA Baseball, gives us an update on the 2023 ACC Baseball Championship.</p>

<p>Following the Carolina Hurricanes' 1-0 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final, what's the feeling amongst the team? Pat Welter, WRAL Sports, joins Dennis Cox & Mark Bergin to discuss how the team is feeling today and if the Hurricanes do fall in this series, what is the cause of it?</p> <p>Also, with Carolina Panthers OTAs taking place in Charlotte currently, Dennis & Mark discuss how long the honeymoon stage between Bryce Young and Frank Reich lasts. Are we about to witness another sweep in the NBA between the Celtics and Heat, following the Lakers getting swept last night against the Nuggets? </p>

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes are now on the verge of elimination from the Stanley Cup Playoffs as they trail the Florida Panthers 3-0 in the Eastern Conference Final series following a 1-0 shutout loss in Game 3. Despite the Hurricanes playing well, they couldn't score playing five-on-five hockey and on the Power Play. Also, they're lacking production in the series from some of their top players. Dennis Cox & Mark Bergin, WRAL Sports, give their perspective on the loss and what frustrated them.</p>

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes face the Florida Panthers in a must-win game in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference FInal. The Carolina Panthers begin their OTA's, which means we must talk about Bryce Young. Also, LA Lakers vs Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat. And the NFL is going to Green Bay in 2025 for the NFL Draft.</p>

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes find themselves in a must-win situation against the Florida Panthers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final of the Stanley Cup Playoff. Also, the LA Lakers and Boston Celtics have disappointed trailing 3-0 in their respective conference finals </p>

<p>Pat Welter of WRAL Sports shared his thoughts on Game 3 fo the Eastern Conference FInal of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and tells Dennis Cox and Louis Fernandez why he believes the Carolina Hurricanes will get their first win of the series over the Florida Panthers.</p> <p>Also, Carolina Panthers are practicing as NFL OTA's are underway. Louis Fernandez says that it doesn't matter who is taking first-team reps at QB right now, and that Bryce Young will be just fine. </p>

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes have lost two OT games to the Florida Panthers in Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference Final of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Dennis Cox and Louis Fernandez discuss how Carolina still has a chance to come back against Florida, and how a couple of small moments and breaks haven't gone Carolina's way.</p>

<p>Following a tough 3-2 loss in four overtimes to the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final, how do the Carolina Hurricanes get over it and get ready for Game 2 back at PNC Arena tomorrow night? Dennis Cox & Brian Murphy discuss if we should be concerned about a carryover following the loss last night and if the Hurricanes are left with no choice but to start Antti Raanta in the net for Game 2. </p> <p>Also, the Daily Checkdown features the NBA playoffs with the Lakers being 2-0 to the Nuggets, Tom Brady speaking with rookie quarterbacks including Bryce Young, sports gambling update in NC,  and the revenue gap in the ACC. </p>

<p>Dennis Cox & Brian Muprhy "Hit It & Quit It" on various topics of sports including the latest on sports gambling in NC, the aftermath of the ACC business meetings, and the NBA playoffs, featuring the Lakers being down 2-0 to the Nuggets. Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final between the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes was epic, but what does the team need to takeaway after a tough 3-2 loss in four overtime periods?</p> <p>Also, Ali Ingersoll of WRAL joins Dennis & Brain to discuss the upcoming NC Beer Mile happening in downtown Cary and how she's preparing for it. </p>

<p>Is there a cause for concern for ACC officials with the current revenue gap? Now that the ACC business meetings have concluded what will be the next move for current schools and conference expansion potentially? Andrea Adelson, ESPN Sports Reporter provides an update on the grant of rights and realignment rumors. </p> <p>Also, Adam Gold gives us "two minutes of hockey" to recap the Carolina Hurricanes' 3-2 loss in 4OT to the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Was Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final between the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes ever going to end? Both Sergei Bobrovsky and Freddie Andersen put on amazing performances in front of their respective nets. Throughout the extra periods of play, the Hurricanes had their chances, but just couldn't finish them. Dennis Cox & Brian Murphy discuss if they'll be any carryover from this game into the rest of the series.</p> <p>Also, Dennis & Brain get a "vibe check" from Hurricanes fans on how they handled the game last night.</p>

<p>Adam Gold joins Dennis Cox & Louis Fernandez to discuss Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes and why Hurricanes fans will get tired of Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett very quickly.</p> <p>Also, the Daily Checkdown features Caleb Love back in the transfer portal, the latest from ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips on the ACC business meetings, the NBA conference finals including the Miami Heat beating the Boston Celtic, and the Washington Commanders' sale. </p>

<p>As always, throughout the remainder of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, you can listen to play-by-play coverage on 99.9 The Fan with Mike Maniscalco and Tripp Tracy. Chris Lea, WRAL Sports, joins Dennis Cox & Louis Fernandez to discuss WRAL latest pregame and postgame coverage of the Carolina Hurricanes on television throughout the remainder of the playoffs. </p> <p>Also, Walt Ruff, Hurricanes.com joins Dennis & Louis to preview Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final between the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes. He also shares what the strategy should be for the Hurricanes throughout this series. </p>

<p>Mike Maniscalco, play-by-play commentator for the Carolina Hurricanes shares his thoughts ahead of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final. He also discusses the different connections between these two franchises including their style of play. Also, Dennis Cox & Louis Fernandez discuss the latest update from ACC Commission Jim Phillips on the realignment rumors and the storylines within this series between the two teams.</p>

<p>Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final occurs tonight as the Flordia Panthers face the Carolina Hurricanes. Dennis Cox & Louis Fernandez are live outside of PNC Arena providing coverage. They discuss how the Hurricanes have gone from the underdogs in the playoffs to a potential favorite to win this series and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals if they can beat the Panthers.</p>

<p>Nick Olczyk of Sports USA discusses the Western Conference Final of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and why fans and the NHL should embrace the fact that 'non-traditional' markets are in the conference finals.</p> <p>Plus, the Daily Checkdown featuring the NBA conference finals, including the Nuggets beating the Lakers, the Charlotte Hornets getting the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft Lottery, and the latest from the ACC from the ACC business meetings. </p>

<p>Ken Daneyko of the NHL Network previewed the Eastern Conference Final of the Stanley Cup Playoff between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers. Plus, Louis Fernandez and Dennis Cox Hit It & Quit It on the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Lakers vs Nuggets, Celtics vs Heat, and conference realignment with the ACC.</p>

<p>With discussions continuing about the future of the ACC and conference realignment, Dennis Cox & Louis Fernandez wonder what the future of league can look like, but also point out that the other conferences have to be willing and wanting to take on schools from the conference if schools are able to break away from the ACC. </p> <p>Plus, the Carolina Hurricanes have been on a strong run over the last five seasons in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Dennis & Louis wonder if the Carolina Panthers and/or Charlotte Hornets are poised to potentially make a run of their own in the near future with such high draft picks. </p>

<p>Is the ACC going to split up in the near future? And how far is the ACC falling behind the Big Ten and SEC in revenue? Brian Murphy of WRALSports shares the latest from the ACC business meetings, and how the conference will look in the near future.</p> <p>Also, Louis Fernandez and Dennis Cox share their thoughts on the Charlotte Hornets getting the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft after the NBA Draft Lottery. Plus, could Teuvo Teravainen return for the Carolina Hurricanes against the Florida Panthers? </p>

<p>Yesterday the NHL released the Eastern Conference Final schedule between the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes. The series will begin in Raleigh Game 1 on Thursday night and Game 2 on Saturday. During the Daily Checkdown, Dennis Cox & Paul Ihander discuss how Hurricanes fans should take full advantage of these home games this weekend. </p> <p>Also, based on his performance during the Panthers minicamp, should we already be buying into the Bryce Young hype?</p>

<p>Dennis Cox & Paul Ihnader "Hit It & Quit It" on various topics in sports including the Hurricanes ECF schedule, Panthers full team minicamp, the college basketball Hall of Fame, coaching and general manager moves in the NBA & NHL, and if we need a second women's soccer league? </p> <p>Also, the national hockey media continues to not appreciate the Carolina Hurricanes and Darren Rovell is a prime example of this. Last night he tweeted out "Dallas-Vegas and Carolina-Florida for the Stanley Cup. Not the matchups execs in the NHL offices will be thrilled with." </p>

<p>Now that the stage is set for the Eastern Conference Final, we turn to George Richards, FloridaHockeyNow.com to give us some perspective on how the Flordia Panthers got here. He also provides the history between the Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes and how the team has been building to reach this point. </p> <p>Also, there's a lot of hype coming out of the Panthers minicamp regarding Bryce Young. Dennis believes the hype is real, but Paul thinks we need to wait until the season begins.</p>

<p>Yesterday the NHL released the Eastern Conference Final schedule between the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes. The series will begin in Raleigh Game 1 on Thursday night and Game 2 on Saturday. Earlier today it was announced that Duke's Mike Krzyzewski and Johnny Dawkins along with North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough will be named to the Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. </p> <p>Also, Dennis Cox & Paul Ihander discuss coaching decisions in Doc Rivers being fired and Maple Leafs General Manager, Kyle Dubas potentially stepping down. </p>

<p>During the Daily Checkdown, Dennis & Chris discuss various topics in sports including the ACC media rights, Jeremy Roach returning to Duke next season, Jayson Tatum's legendary game-seven performance, and the Carolina Panthers mini-camp.</p> <p>Also, the Florida Panthers were one of the last teams to make it into the Stanley Cup Playoffs as a wild card team, and now they find themselves in the Eastern Conference Final where they'll take on the Carolina Hurricanes. How did the Hurricanes get here? </p>

<p>Brian Murphy, WRAL Sports Investigative Reporter discusses how seven schools within the ACC are trying to break out of their current television deal with the ACC Network and looking to expand with other television networks. He describes what factors would go into this decision and if teams joining another conference could be an option. </p> <p>Also, Dennis & Chris "Hit It & Quit It" on various topics such as Jayson Tatum 51 point game, Jeremy Roach returning to Duke, Ja Morant, rookie minicamp takeaways, and Teuvo Teravinen's full participation in practice. Josh Sims, reporter/host for Fox Sports previews the NASCAR All-Star race returning to the North Wilkesboro Speedway. </p>

<p>The stage is set for the Eastern Conference Final. The Carolina Hurricanes will face the Florida Panthers, a franchise they share a lot of connections with. The main storyline is that the current Panthers' head coach Paul Maurice is the former coach of the Hurricanes. The second is Jordan Staal facing his brothers Eric and Marc Staal, something that has happened only six times previously. </p> <p>Also, former Duke player Jayson Tatum had a big-time game seven putting up 51 points as the Celtics defeated the 76ers. What could've been with his best friend Harry Giles? Chris Lea shares what impressed him the most about Bryce Young at the Carolina Panthers rookie mini-camp this past weekend.</p>

<p>ACC schools such as Clemson, FSU, Miami, UNC, NC State, Virginia, and Virginia Tech have met over the past several months to examine grant-of-rights to determine how unbreakable it is, per Brett McMurphy. Dennis Cox, & Chris Lea, WRAL Sports, discuss the next move for these schools regarding television deals and if these schools would consider leaving the ACC. </p> <p>Also, we know that the Carolina Hurricanes will face the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Finals, but will Teuvo Terravainen be back in time before the series begin? </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

<p dir="ltr">During the Daily Checkdown, Dennis Cox & Brian Murphy, WRAL Sports Investigator, discuss the official release of the NFL team’s 2023 schedule. UNC’s D’Marco Dunn announced that he would be entering the transfer portal which makes Dennis wonder if “UNC stuff” is starting to become a thing. One sports gambling casino will be opening this upcoming Monday in Danville, VA which has caught the attention of lawmakers in the state of NC. </p> <p dir="ltr">Also, Dennis & Brian recap the Carolina Hurricanes Game 5 and who they could be playing in the Eastern Conference Final. Chris Lea is in Charlotte where he provides coverage from the Carolina Panthers rookie mini-camp and what he noticed first about Bryce Young on the field.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Dennis Cox & Brian Murphy, WRAL Sports Investigator "Hit It & Quit It" on various topics of sports such as the Carolina Hurricanes advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, who they'll face they'll face next, Carolina Panthers games they're most looking forward to this season, along with reasonable expectations for them. They hit on the NBA Playoffs with Anthony Davis's injury for the Lakers and Andrew Wiggins's injury for the Warriors. In the NFL, Dan Snyder announces an agreement for the sale of the Commanders and Tom Brady may buy part of the Raiders. </p>

<p dir="ltr">The Carolina Hurricanes are heading to the Eastern Conference Finals thanks to Jesper Fast game-winning goal in overtime. There was a time when the game was in doubt for fans, but the Hurricanes are used to that type of game. They’re 7-0 since 2000 in overtime games in the playoffs, including three already this postseason. Jesper Fast’s game-winning goal is something that Hurricanes fans will remember for a lifetime. Hopefully Bryce Young can provide the same thing for Carolina Panthers fans this upcoming season.</p> <p dir="ltr">Also, yesterday UNC’s D’Marco Dunn announced that he’d be entering the transfer portal.</p> <p> </p>

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes have advanced to the Eastern Conference Final. The best person to discuss this is the General Manager of the Hurricanes, Don Waddell. He shares what improvements went into building this current roster and what has made this playoff run great so far. He also discusses the ongoing discussion of renovations to PNC Arena. </p>

<p>Dennis Cox & Pat Welter, WRAL Sports, review the Carolina Panthers side of the 2023 NFL schedule release including the season opener on the road at Atlanta and hosting the New Orleans Saints in week 2 on Monday night football. NC State's season opener for this football season at UConn has been moved to a Thursday night. The Lakers and Knicks were unable to close out their series in the NBA Playoffs, and NC State basketball will be playing in the 2023 Vegas showdown.</p> <p>Also, Adam Gold joins Dennis & Pat to preview what the Carolina Hurricanes have to do to close out this series in Game 5 tonight against the New Jersey Devils</p>

<p>If you need some comfort food ahead of the Game 5 matchup between the New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes, Dennis Cox & Pat Welter, WRAL Sports, have you covered. They give their top four favorite stress-eating and comfort foods when it comes to watching sports. Chris Lea, WRAL Sports, joins them as well for "Hit It & Quit It."</p> <p>Also, Dennis & Pat break down why the window for the Hurricanes to win the Stanley Cup is wide open in this year's playoffs. </p>

<p>Walt Ruff, team reporter for Hurricanes.com previews Game 5 between the New Jersey Devils and the Carolina Hurricanes. He shares what the Hurricanes need to do to clinch the series and not give the Devils any momentum in this one. Walt believes the success tonight comes from the defensemen and thinks the teams need to seize the opportunity to get much-needed rest if they can advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. </p> <p>Also, Kat Campbell, WRAL, gives us a tailgate weather reporter as it's a beautiful afternoon outside PNC Arena. </p>

<p>Game 5 between the New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes takes place tonight. The record shows that the Carolina Hurricanes are 1-4 overall in Game 5's when they have a 3-1 series lead, including the in the first-round against the Islanders. Their only Game 5 came back in 2006 against the Devils. Could history repeat itself tonight inside PNC Arena? </p>

<p>All of a sudden, Las Vegas likes the Carolina Hurricanes as the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. Going into the playoffs, their odds were about +1200 to win the Stanley Cup, now they have the best odds at +275 to win the Stanley Cup. Are the Canes worth betting your money on? Also, Dennis Cox, & Brett Knese break down what went wrong for the New Jersey Devils in Game 4. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Following the Carolina Hurricanes' 6-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils, Dennis Cox, & Brett Knese, WRAL, discuss which players stepped up in the win and who have been consistently well throughout the playoffs. They also explain which players have more room to improve as the series and playoffs continue. They also “Hit It & Quit It” in various topics of sports. </p> <p>Also, Governor Roy Cooper called out ESPN's broadcast teams for being "extraordinarily biased" against the Hurricanes. Dennis & Brett discuss how much truth there is to this. </p>

<p dir="ltr">The NFL has released the scheduled games for International and primetime games for 2023:</p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">- Week 4 (Oct. 1) ATL vs JAX (Wembley)</p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">- Week 5 (Oct. 8) JAX vs BUF (Tottenham Hotspur)</p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">- Week 6 (Oct. 15) BAL vs TEN (Tottenham Hotspur)</p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">- Week 9 (Nov. 5) MIA vs KC (Frankfurt)</p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">- Week 10 (Nov. 12) IND vs NE (Frankfurt)</p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Black Friday:</p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">- MIA at NYJ - Amazon Prime 3 PM</p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Christmas Day:</p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">- NYG at PHI - 4:30 pm</p> <p dir="ltr">New Year’s Eve:</p> <p dir="ltr">- CIN at KC - 4:25 pm</p> <p dir="ltr">Also, Jamie Hersch of the NHL Network joins Dennis & Brett to recap the Carolina Hurricanes' 6-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils in Game 4. </p>

<p dir="ltr">Howie Borrow is the keeper of the Stanley Cup. He joins Dennis Cox, & Brett Knese, WRAL, to discuss the history of the Cup and how long he's been responsible for its possession. He shares how many replicates there are of the Stanley Cup and if he's responsible for the same one that the players get to raise once they win it. He also answers different questions about how the Stanley Cup is treated. </p> <p dir="ltr">Also, Dennis & Brett discuss the Carolina Hurricanes' dominating 6-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils in Game 4. </p> <p> </p>

<p>During the Daily Checkdown Dennis & Louis discuss various topics in sports including West Virginia men's basketball coach Bob Huggins's comments he made over rival Xavier, suspended WR Stanley Berryhill waived by Lions, Iowa and Iowa State sports betting issues, Isaih Miranda entering the transfer portal, and Game 4 tonight between the Devils and Hurricanes with Adam Gold.</p>

<p>Hayes Permar is the managing partner of a group planning on reopening Raleigh's Rialto Theatre. He joins Dennis Cox & Louis Fernandez Jr to discuss the different events he plans on bringing back to the theatre. He also shares his favorite memories of The Rialto and where his passion came from to bring live events back to it. Also, Dennis & Louis "Hit It & Quit It" on various topics including the Panthers rumored to play against the Chiefs in Germany, and Game 4 between Hurricanes and the Devils. </p>

<p>Chris Lea, WRAL Sports, spoke with Joey Logano, 2x NASCAR Cup Series Champion about the NASCAR All-Star race returning to Charlotte and the remaining races left on the schedule. Also, Kacy Hintz, WRAL Sports, spoke with Carolina Hurricanes analyst Tripp Tracy, who opened up about his incident in New York one year ago and overcoming addiction and the support the Hurricanes organization offered him.</p>

<p>In the world of sports, we throw out the term "must-win" a lot, but is that the case for the Carolina Hurricanes ahead of Game 4 tonight against the New Jersey Devils? Dennis Cox & Louis Fernandez, WRAL Sports, discuss why Game 3 was an outlier between the two teams, the importance of the goaltenders, and Game 4 by the numbers.</p>

<p>Five years ago on this date, the Carolina Hurricanes introduced Rod Brind'Amour as the new head coach of the team. Since then, the Hurricanes have made five consecutive Stanley Cup playoff appearances and have acquired back-to-back Metropolitan Divison championships. An argument could be made that Rod Brind'Amour is the most important part of this organization which has led the team to its recent success. </p>

<p>Should Carolina Hurricanes fans be concerned after the 8-4 loss to the New Jersey Devils in Game 3? Walt Ruff, Hurricanes.com reporter joins Chris & Dennis to share insight on the game and what we should expect to see out of the team in Game 4. Jamie Hersch, NHL Network, shares what coverage has been like so far of this series and if the New Jersey Devils should be concerned about their current goaltending situation. Chris & Dennis "Hit & Quit It" on various topics including the Canes' three short-handed goals, the NHL Draft lottery, and Chandler Zavala's signing with the Carolina Panthers. </p> <p>Also, James Boyd who covers the Indianapolis Colts for The Athletic, joins Chris & Dennis to discuss how good the Anthony Richardson and Josh Downs duo will be.</p>

<p>Fans in North Carolina were certainly surprised by what they witnessed in Game 3 between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New Jersey Devils. Kacy Hintz of WRAL Sports was in Newark, NJ covering the game and got to experience the 8-4 in person. She also provides an update following the team's practice this morning. </p> <p>Also, Chris & Dennis discuss the NFL scheduling delay and if the Carolina Panthers are primetime television worth this season with Bryce Young as their new quarterback. </p>

<p>The New Jersey Devils' offense finally found its spark following the results in the first two games of the series. The Devils defeat the Hurricanes 8-4 in Game 3. The Hurricanes were able to score four goals, with three being short-handed.</p> <p>Also, five years ago today Rod Brind'Amour was introduced as the head coach of the Hurricanes. Tom Dundon has gotten it right, but where have other pro sports teams in the state get it wrong? </p>

<p dir="ltr">-Canes Game 2 -</p> <p dir="ltr">-Akira Schmid back in net for the Hurricanes; Timo Meier will be a game-time decision (missed Game 1) … Freddie Andersen to start in net tonight</p> <p dir="ltr">-Centennial Authority Meeting … extended deal with negotiator</p> <p> </p>