The Drive with Tim Donnelly

Carolina Hurricanes fans call in and weigh in on the Hurricanes losing Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, 5-3, to the New York Rangers, losing the series, 4-2, with lots of questions about goalie Frederik Andersen.

Also, Tim Donnelly makes REAL. BOLD. PREDICTIONS. 

What is a realistic win total in the 2024 NFL Season for the Carolina Panthers under new head coach Dave Canales and 2nd year QB Bryce Young? Also, the Carolina Hurricanes didn't do enough of the 'little things' in the playoffs against the New York Rangers as the Canes lost Game 6 to the Rangers in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the Stanely Cup Playoffs, losing the series 4-2. 

The 2023-2024 season for the Carolina Hurricanes is officially a bust after the Carolina Hurricanes were ousted from the playoffs after losing Game 6 to the New York Rangers, 5-3, in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Is Frederik Andersen the No. 1 goalie for the Carolina Hurricanes, or should the job be turned over to Pyotr Kochetkov in the future?

Are there silver linings to look at after the Carolina Hurricanes lost Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the Stanley Cup Finals to the New York Rangers, 5-3, and being eliminated from the playoffs? Also, you have to give Chris Kreider his flowers for showing up for the New York Rangers in the third period after scoring a natural hat trick. 

Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox share their confidence levels & concerns for the Carolina Hurricanes vs the New York Rangers in Game 6, including goal-scoring predictions for the Canes. Also, Walt Ruff, Hurricanes.com reporter, joined Tim & Dennis to preview Game 6 and discuss what the Hurricanes need to do to keep this series alive and force a Game 7 on Saturday.

The Carolina Panthers got no primetime games in the 2024 NFL Season, which shows the Panthers aren't an attraction nationally. But as Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox point out, the Panthers and head coach Dave Canales could have the advantage of a weekly routine.

Also, during today’s Canes Cup Check-In, Hurricanes Insider Adam Gold discussed with head coach Rod Brind’Amour what made the team so effective in their 4-1 win against the Rangers in Game 5 and how they can replicate their performance in Game 6. 

Who are the key players for the Carolina Hurricanes vs the New York Rangers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs? Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss Andrei Svechnikov, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Vincent Trocheck, and Jack Drury. 

Also, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the New York Rangers growing pressure as they hold a precarious 3-2 series lead against the relentless Carolina Hurricanes. With a spotlight on the Rangers’ response to the Hurricanes’ dominating the third period in Game 5, Tim and Dennis analyze what went wrong for the Rangers and how they might adjust in Game 6.

It's "All Hands on Deck" for the Carolina Hurricanes against the New York Rangers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Canes look to force a Game 7 in New York at Madison Square Garden. 

Also, Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the Carolina Hurricanes continued power play struggles plaguing them during this intense second-round series against the New York Rangers. Tim & Dennis analyze what is going wrong, how it’s impacting the team’s performance, and what changes are necessary to turn things around. 

Are NFL Schedule releases overrated? The Carolina Panthers are playing the New York Giants in Germany in Week 10 of the 2024 NFL Season, but so many games are leaked throughout the NFL leading up to the release time that it makes the schedule release anti-climactic.

Also, NC State football will be playing non-conference games against fellow ACC school, Virginia football. Plus, NC State football vs Tennessee football will be a primetime game in the Duke's Mayo Classic. 

Tim Donnelly gives his favorites for who wins the 2024 PGA Championship. 

Will Brett Pesce return to the Carolina Hurricanes lineup? Pesce returned to practice on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's Game 6 matchup against the New York Rangers, his first time on the ice since Game 2 against the New York Islanders, with him potentially returning to the lineup in the near future. 

Also, the Carolina Hurricanes have a lot of questions about free agents this offseason, and if how players perform the rest of the postseason will impact decisions by the front office and GM Don Waddell. 

Why is Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young polarizing among Carolina Panthers fans? Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the dynamic between Panthers fans who don't see the former NFL No. 1 overall pick in 2023 as a franchise QB vs others who still think Bryce Young didn't have a fair chance as a rookie.

With the Carolina Panthers facing the New York Giants in Week 10 of the NFL Season in Germany, would Panthers owner David Tepper want the Panthers to travel to Germany every year to be "Germany's team," similar to how the Jacksonville Jaguars travel to England every year?

Which team is under more pressure for Game 6: the Carolina Hurricanes or the New York Rangers? Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss which team is facing the most pressure, and if the New York Rangers are able to handle pressure for the first time this postseason. Also, does the extra day of rest between games help or hurt the Carolina Hurricanes getting ready for Game 6? 

Should the Carolina Hurricanes stick with Frederik Andersen in goal, or switch to Pyotr Kochetkov for Game 6 vs the New York Rangers? Also, questions about Brett Pesce and if he'll return to the lineup, and if the Carolina Panthers will get more than two primetime games in 2024 NFL Schedule. Plus, feedback from listeners during Feedback Frenzy. 

Carolina Panthers TE Ja'Tavion Sanders said he wants to be the next Greg Olsen for the Carolina Panthers, and how having that mentality could be a good thing for the offense, and provide a security blanket for QB Bryce Young in head coach Dave Canales' offense.

Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss UNC Board of Trustees members expressing the need for North Carolina to leave the ACC for a higher revenue generating conference, or that the ACC needs to adjust their model.

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the New York Rangers, 4-1, in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which saw the Canes score four goals in the third period, and saw Jordan Staal score the game-tying goal in the third period, silencing the questions about Staal's leadership as the The Captain under head coach Rod Brind'Amour.

The Carolina Hurricanes still struggled on special teams, giving up a short-handed goal in a 4-1 win over the New York Rangers in Game 5 in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Tim Donnelly says the power play can't continue to hurt the Hurricanes, but that the penalty kill is getting strong for head coach Rod Brind'Amour.

Tim Donnelly & Graham Hill award three Carolina Hurricanes with spots on the podium. Also, Tim & Graham preview the high-pressured Game 5 clash between the Hurricanes and the New York Rangers. With the Canes still trailing 3-1 in the series, the stakes have never been high as they face another must-win scenario to keep their playoff hopes alive. 

Tim Donnelly & Graham Hill discuss the intriguing dynamics of the Carolina Panthers running back situation for this season. Despite a crowded backfield, the Panthers’ remain unfazed and even optimistic about the wealth of the talent they have at their disposal. Also, Tim & Graham recap The Atheltic’s latest article on the winners and losers of the Panthers offseason.

Tim Donnelly & Graham Hill discuss the performance of Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Freddie Andersen in their thrilling 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers in Game 4 of their second-round series. Andersen’s saves and overall performance between the pipes were pivotal in securing the win and keeping the Canes’ playoff hopes alive. 

Also, during today’s Canes Cup Check-In, Hurricanes Insider Adam Gold discussed with head coach Rod Brind’Amour what made the team so effective in their 4-3 win against the Rangers in Game 4 and how they can replicate their performance in Game 5. 

Tim Donnelly & Graham Hill discuss the thrilling showdown between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Rangers in Game 4 of their second-round series. Despite facing a 3-0 deficit, the Hurricanes showed remarkable resilience and determination, securing a crucial 4-3 victory to keep their season alive.

Tim Donnelly & Graham Hill discuss the Carolina Panthers signing of all seven draft picks from the 2024 NFL Draft class and the excitement surrounding the kickoff of their rookie minicamp today. Tim and Graham discuss the potential impact of these new additions, asses key positions to watch during the minicamp and explore how these rookies could shape the Panthers' future.

Also, during real bold predictions, Tim & Graham give their predictions for Game 4 in the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers second-round series.

Tim Donnelly & Graham Hill discuss the Carolina Hurricanes’ powerplay challenges continuing in their second-round series against the New York Rangers following Game 3. With an alarming combined total of 0-15 now, the Hurricanes’ powerplay woes have become a pressing concern amongst the fanbase.

Also, Tim Donnelly & Graham Hill discuss Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kocketkov’s impressive return to the ice in Game 3. Despite the 3-2 overtime loss, Kocketkov’s stellar performance after three weeks sparks discussion on the Canes' goaltending situation and their resilience in the playoffs. 

Tim Donnelly & Graham Hill discuss the pivotal moments and provide their reaction following the Carolina Hurricanes' intense Game 3 against the New York Rangers, where a 3-2 loss overtime loss has placed their season on the brink of ending. Tim & Graham asses the Hurricanes' performance, and standout moments, and explore the team’s options as they now face a challenging 3-0 deficit in the series.

Also, during today’s Canes Cup Check-In, Hurricanes Insider Adam Gold discusses with former Canes defenseman Sean Hill, his thoughts following the team’s 3-2 overtime loss and how the team can correct the powerplay. 

Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox share their confidence levels & concerns for the Carolina Hurricanes vs the New York Rangers Game 3, including goal scoring predictions for the Canes. 

Brian Boucher, Color Analyst for the NHL on TNT, joined The Drive with Tim Donnelly to talk about the Carolina Hurricanes and head coach Rod Brind'Amour switching to Pyotr Kochetkov in goal over Frederik Andersen in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the New York Rangers.

Also, Tim discusses the growing sentiment against Jordan Staal's leadership ability as a captain for the Hurricanes.