If you’ve experienced a Canes win at PNC Arena, then you’ve probably witnessed a Storm Surge celebration. | Photo by Kara Durrette/Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are headed to the playoffs to cause even more chaos this season, with a first-round matchup against the New York Islanders. If you’re just now tuning into Raleigh’s pro hockey team, here’s what you need to know before the Canes head to the best-of-seven series.
This season, the Canes are 2-1-1 against the Islanders, with both wins on the Islanders’ home ice, most recently on March 19. The Canes also faced the Islanders in the first round last year’s playoffs, winning in six games. If you compare the teams’ season records, the Islanders are just 38-27-16 while the Canes boast a 50+ win season.
On the ice, keep an eye out for fan favorites like Finn Sebastian Aho, who held 89 points and 36 goals ahead of last night’s final regular season game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Aho has been with the Canes since he started in the NHL in 2016 and has proven himself a valuable forward on the roster.
On the defensive end, watch out for Brent Burns. Playing in the NHL since 2002, Burns has been a defensive powerhouse all season, including ranking fourth on the team in blocked shots. Plus, Burns and local health food eatery Happy and Hale collaborated on the Burnzie Bowl, a new creation fit for folks with any number of teeth.
A. I’m the biggest Caniac out there. B. I like following the Canes, but I’m not a super fan. C. I’m not a fan of hockey. D. I’m a fan of another NHL team.
Get crafty! | Wednesday, April 17 | 5-8 p.m. | Umbrella Dry Bar, 14 W. Martin St., Raleigh | Free | Meet fellow crafters while enjoying a non-alcoholic bev.
Salsa Night in The Ballroom | Wednesday, April 17 | 6-9 p.m. | Transfer Co. Food Hall, 500 E. Davie St., Raleigh | Put on your boogie shoes for live salsa music and dancing.
Theatre Raleigh presents “Tick, Tick… Boom!” | Wednesday, April 17-Sunday, April 21 | Times vary | Theatre Raleigh, 6638 Old Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh | $40-$50 | This autobiographical musical comes from the composer of “Rent” and was recently adapted to the big screen — see it on stage.
Thursday, April 18
Adventure into Agave - Guided Mezcal Tasting | Thursday, April 18 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria, 106 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | $24 | Enjoy the bold flavors of this smoky spirit at the first mezcal bar in the Southeast.
“A Little Night Music” by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler | Thursday, April 18-Sunday, April 21 | 7 p.m. | Burning Coal Theatre Company, 224 Polk St., Raleigh | $30 | Watch this musical about the comic misadventures of several couples who decide to spend a weekend together in the country.
Friday, April 19
Free Shredding and Household Electronic Disposal Event | Friday, April 19 | 5-7 p.m. | Dorothea Dix Park, 2105 Black Dr., Raleigh | As part of the park’s Earth Day celebration, shred documents and dispose of household electronics in a safe and eco-friendly environment.
Saturday, April 27
Dueling Dinosaurs Grand Opening | Saturday, April 27 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | NC Museum of Natural Sciences and Nature Research Center, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh | Free | The Dueling Dinosaurs Grand Opening promises to forever change how you view the world’s two favorite dinosaurs — the tyrannosaur and the triceratops.*
Penny’s Produce is one of the many Joco farms offering u-pick strawberry experiences. | Photo by Johnston County Visitors Bureau
Strawberry season is here — and so are the days when local farms (and outdoor activities) begin to flourish.
This spring, venture just outside of Raleigh to explore our neighbor’s agricultural roots by visiting a JoCo farm or farmers market.
🍓 Strawberry picking
Warm weather means strawberries are ripe and ready to pick straight out of the field. A bunch of JoCo strawberry farms are offering u-pick experiences, in addition to their selection of pre-picked berries.
Blueberries more your jam? You can pick them in JoCo this June.
🥕 Farmers markets
If you’re not into getting down in the dirt, you can still venture into the veggies by shopping for fresh, local produce at one of the county’s many farmers markets and stands.
🐐 Family-friendly events
Most of JoCo’s farms have fun events year-round. Visit the county-wide calendar to stay in the know about what’s going on throughout the season — on and off the farm.
Get your barbecue on at Gettin’ Piggy With It on Saturday, May 18 + Sunday, May 19 right here in Raleigh. This festival celebrates 15 pitmasters from across the country and a few locals, plus non-barbecue slinging vendors like Locals Seafood and Wye Hill. Tickets start at $100 and go on sale Friday, April 19. (The News & Observer)
Community
The Wake County Board of Commissioners voted to approve nearly $4 million in funding for affordable homes in Raleigh and over $11 million across the county, totaling 461 rental units. These homes are intended for seniors and families earning 80% or less of the area median income.
Active
The multisport pavilion at Baileywick Park in north Raleigh is now open. It includes covered pickleball courts and a court for futsal, a variation of soccer played on a hardcourt.
Health
Saturday, April 27 is National Prescription Take Back Day, and the City of Raleigh is offering two convenient locations for drop-off — Wegmans in midtown and Falls River Pharmacy in north Raleigh.
Try This
This April, track your smart travel in Share the Ride NC to earn points + help the region collectively journey 24,000 miles (read: Earth’s circumference) during GoTriangle’s Around the World Challenge. The travelers with the most points in each mode will win a pair of AirPods. Sign up.*
Asked
Here’s your chanceto ask an expert about all your burning beauty and aesthetics questions ahead of summer. The top submissions will be featured in an upcoming Q + A with Synergy Face + Body CEO Anna Churchill.*
Home
Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*
What a year for Raleigh sports. According to The Athletic, the Canes have the best odds to win the Stanley Cup, and the NC Courage is off to a strong start with a 3-1 record. I’m excited to hear which other local (and national) teams you love.
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