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. He knows it means nothing now. “Your points get erased and you all start with zeros,” Waddell said. “Playoffs are a different time. That’s what’s great about the NHL. Once you get to the playoffs, it’s wide open.” This year more than many in the recent past. Unlike last year, when Boston broke league records for the most wins and points in a season, there is no clear favorite to