Who was Patrick Anderson from Raleigh, NC. How did brain trauma affect his life. What can we learn from his story about concussions and their long-term effects. How can we protect young athletes from similar fates.
The Vibrant Spirit of Patrick Anderson
Patrick Anderson was a young man from Raleigh, NC, whose life was characterized by an infectious joy and a penchant for adventure. His mother, LeeAnn Anderson, paints a vivid picture of a boy who brought laughter and light to those around him from an early age.
At just three years old, Patrick’s mischievous nature was already evident. LeeAnn recalls an incident where he decided to urinate from an upper floor landing, much to the shock and eventual amusement of his family below. This early display of his humorous spirit set the tone for a life filled with laughter and unexpected moments.
A Natural-Born Entertainer
Patrick’s ability to make people laugh was not just a childhood trait; it became his passion. Even in high school, he was known for his spontaneous and often hilarious antics. One memorable incident involved Patrick spontaneously disrupting a giant Jenga game in a local park, much to the bewilderment of the players and the amusement of his friends.
Why did Patrick’s friends and family find him so endearing?
- His infectious laughter and ability to find humor in everyday situations
- A willingness to be spontaneous and take risks for the sake of entertainment
- An innate talent for bringing joy to those around him
A Kind and Compassionate Soul
Beyond his humor, Patrick was known for his kindness and compassion. He approached strangers with warmth and openness, treating everyone he met with respect regardless of their background or appearance. This genuine and accepting nature made it easy for Patrick to form friendships and connections with people from all walks of life.
Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges
Patrick’s experience playing football in elementary school provided him with valuable lessons in empathy and inclusion. As the only non-African American player on his team, he learned firsthand what it felt like to be different. However, this experience only strengthened his ability to connect with others, and he became a beloved teammate and brother to his fellow players.
How did Patrick’s early experiences shape his character?
- They fostered a deep sense of empathy and understanding for others
- He learned to navigate and overcome social barriers
- These experiences reinforced his inclusive and non-judgmental nature
An Adventurous Spirit and Natural Athlete
From a young age, Patrick displayed exceptional physical abilities and an adventurous spirit. Nicknamed “Monkeyboy” for his climbing prowess, he seemed to have an innate understanding of his physical boundaries. LeeAnn’s parenting style encouraged this exploration, fostering confidence and independence in her son.
A Passion for Extreme Sports
As Patrick grew older, his love for adventure manifested in a passion for extreme sports. He excelled in:
- Skimboarding: Mastering tricks like backflips off the board
- Skateboarding: His preferred mode of transportation in elementary school
- Kiteboarding and wakeboarding: Starting at age 13
- Snowboarding: Beginning at age 9 and becoming his favorite sport
Patrick’s first experience snowboarding at Peak 8 in Breckenridge was a defining moment. Despite initial trepidation, his mother’s encouragement and belief in his abilities helped him overcome his fears and discover a new passion.
The Formation of Patrick’s Tribe
Patrick’s magnetic personality and accepting nature drew people to him naturally. As he grew older, he developed not just friendships but a close-knit group that his mother describes as a “tribe.” The Anderson household became a hub of activity, filled with the laughter and energy of Patrick and his friends.
What made Patrick’s home such a popular gathering place?
- His non-judgmental attitude created a welcoming environment
- Patrick’s sense of humor and zest for life were infectious
- The Anderson home was a place where young people felt accepted and valued
The absence of this vibrant energy in the months when Patrick would typically be home is a poignant reminder of the impact he had on those around him.
The Shadow of Concussions: A Turning Point
Despite Patrick’s joyful nature and athletic prowess, his life took a tragic turn due to a series of concussions. The first diagnosed concussion occurred during his sophomore year of high school when he accidentally hit his head on a concrete parking lot curb.
Initial Treatment and Concerns
Following the incident:
- Patrick was taken to urgent care and then to a private doctor
- Concussion protocol was followed, and he was cleared to play after two weeks
- He complained of occasional headaches, but medical check-ups suggested he was okay
LeeAnn now reflects that if she had known then what she knows now, she would have sought out a specialist in concussions for a more thorough evaluation.
The Escalation of Brain Trauma
Patrick’s senior year marked another significant incident in his history of brain trauma. While attempting to break up a fight, he was sucker-punched, resulting in another concussion. This event, combined with his previous injury, likely contributed to the long-term effects that would later manifest.
The Importance of Proper Concussion Management
Patrick’s story highlights the critical need for proper concussion management, especially in young athletes. What are some key considerations in managing concussions?
- Immediate removal from play following a suspected concussion
- Thorough evaluation by healthcare professionals experienced in concussion management
- A gradual return-to-play protocol, guided by symptoms and cognitive function
- Long-term monitoring for persistent symptoms or changes in behavior
The Long-Term Impact of Repeated Brain Trauma
While the full extent of Patrick’s story is not detailed in the provided excerpt, the emphasis on his history of concussions suggests that these injuries had a significant impact on his life. The Concussion Legacy Foundation’s involvement in sharing his story indicates that Patrick’s experiences serve as an important case study in the long-term effects of repeated brain trauma.
Understanding Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Patrick’s case raises awareness about conditions like Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease found in athletes, military veterans, and others with a history of repetitive brain trauma. What are some key facts about CTE?
- It can only be definitively diagnosed through post-mortem examination of the brain
- Symptoms may include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, aggression, depression, and eventually progressive dementia
- The severity of the condition is believed to correlate with the number of years of exposure to repetitive brain trauma
While we cannot assume Patrick’s specific diagnosis without more information, his story underscores the potential serious consequences of multiple concussions, especially in young, developing brains.
Lessons and Legacy: Protecting Young Athletes
Patrick Anderson’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for increased awareness and better protocols surrounding brain trauma in sports, particularly for young athletes. His vibrant life and the tragic turn it took due to concussions highlight several important lessons.
Improving Concussion Awareness and Management
How can we better protect young athletes from the long-term effects of concussions?
- Enhanced education for coaches, parents, and athletes about concussion signs and symptoms
- Stricter enforcement of return-to-play protocols following a concussion
- Improved protective equipment and rule changes in contact sports to reduce the risk of head injuries
- Regular neurological check-ups for athletes in high-risk sports
- Encouraging a culture that prioritizes long-term health over short-term athletic success
Patrick’s legacy, as shared through the Concussion Legacy Foundation, serves to educate and protect future generations of young athletes from similar fates.
The Importance of Comprehensive Care
Patrick’s mother’s reflection on wishing she had taken him to a concussion specialist underscores the importance of specialized care in these situations. What should parents and coaches look for in concussion care?
- Healthcare providers with specific training and experience in concussion management
- Comprehensive neurological and cognitive assessments
- Individualized treatment plans that address both physical and cognitive symptoms
- Long-term follow-up to monitor for any persistent or late-onset symptoms
By sharing Patrick’s story, his family hopes to prevent other young athletes from experiencing similar tragedies and to promote better understanding and management of brain injuries in sports.
Remembering Patrick: A Life of Joy and Impact
While Patrick’s story takes a tragic turn, it’s important to remember the vibrant, joyful person he was. His life, though impacted by brain trauma, was filled with laughter, adventure, and deep connections with others. Patrick’s legacy extends beyond his personal struggles, serving as a catalyst for change in how we approach brain health in young athletes.
Celebrating a Life Well-Lived
How can we honor Patrick’s memory and the person he was?
- By sharing his story to raise awareness about the seriousness of concussions
- Through continuing his legacy of kindness and inclusivity
- By advocating for better protection and care for young athletes
- In remembering the joy and laughter he brought to those around him
Patrick Anderson’s life, while tragically affected by brain trauma, was one of immense impact. His story serves as both a celebration of a life filled with joy and adventure, and a sobering reminder of the critical importance of brain health, especially in young athletes. Through the efforts of his family and organizations like the Concussion Legacy Foundation, Patrick’s experience continues to educate and potentially save lives, ensuring that his vibrant spirit and tragic fate leave a lasting positive impact on the world of sports and beyond.
Patrick Anderson | Concussion Legacy Foundation
A HISTORY OF BRAIN TRAUMA, AND THE DEATH OF OUR JOYFUL BOY
By LeeAnn Anderson
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My earliest recollection of glimpsing Patrick’s true nature; mischievous jokester, lover of life, occurred at age three. Patrick decided it would be funny if he peed off the upper floor landing while his sister and I were standing in the hall on the first floor. He was giggling and grinning from ear to ear. Seconds after the shockwave came and went, the three of us were crying with laughter. Patrick could be so random! Like the time in high school he asked his friend to pull over while driving through a local park. Patrick jumped out of the car and ran over to a group of folks playing a giant game of Jenga. Without stopping or saying a word he tackled the game pieces rolled across the grass and trotted back to his friends! The video is hilarious. The shockwave for those folks lasted a little longer than a few seconds, his friends are in the car busting a gut! Making people laugh was Patrick’s passion.
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Patrick was beautiful. Kind and compassionate, he made friends easily. Patrick approached strangers like he wanted to be treated; with a smile, eye contact and a warm handshake. He didn’t see the color of their skin, or the clothes they were wearing, he saw the individual. Patrick was also blessed with natural physical abilities, instinctively aware of his physical boundaries from a very early age. “Monkeyboy” was his acquired nickname as he would literally climb anything deemed manageable by his young persona, which was most things. We were a good match, my parenting style encouraged discovery. If he felt physically capable of a feat, I rarely ever told him no. Believing in the “Art of Possibility” to build confidence in my children, I trusted their internal instincts.
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As Patrick grew older, he ventured into team sports but also had a passion for solo sports. Skimboarding was a favorite from an early age, he eventually acquired the skill to backflip off his skimboard while taking a wave.
For obvious reasons this practice was not my favorite. In elementary school a skateboard was his favorite mode of transportation. Confidence, independence, and comfort in his own skin were all traits Patrick displayed from an early age. Patrick played football in the fourth and fifth grade. Being on a team with all African American boys, Patrick learned how it felt to be isolated, how it felt to be the kid that looked different. Navigating “how do I fit in” was an incredible lesson that Patrick never forgot. Patrick was loved by his teammates and he loved them back; he became their friend, their brother. The Tigers won the city championship two years in a row! When my sister asked him in middle school why he didn’t play football anymore he said, “it made my head hurt.”
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Patrick started kiteboarding and wakeboarding when he was 13, but his favorite was snowboarding which he started when he was nine. I’ll never forget the look on his face the first time I took him up to Peak 8 in Breckenridge.
When he saw the drop into the bowl for the first time, he looked at me like I was the crazy one. I looked him in the eye and told him, “you have this, just follow me and you’ll do great.” Not only did he do great, he was hooked.
Patrick was my adventure buddy. We were adrenaline junkies. From the time he was little, it was always the two of us on family vacations jumping off cliffs/waterfalls and my husband and daughter watching and taking pictures.
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Patrick didn’t just have friends; he had a tribe. Kids naturally gravitated towards his non-judgmental attitude. His kind, compassionate nature along with his sense of humor and thirst to find the possibilities in every day was like a light to a moth. Kids were always at our house. The older he got the bigger the group became. I loved having them. Now that Patrick is gone, there is a quietness about the house during the months that he would naturally be home. It’s weird and it takes some getting used to. I play music to keep it from being so noticeable.
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A HISTORY OF CONCUSSIONS
When Patrick was a sophomore in high school, he received his first diagnosed concussion. He was running and somehow tripped and hit his head on a concrete parking lot curb. Banged up pretty badly, we took him to urgent care, then to a private doctor the next day. His lacrosse coach was notified and concussion protocol was followed. Two weeks later he was cleared to practice and play with the team. He complained of headaches from time to time but when I took him to the doctor everything checked out OK. If I knew then what I know now, I would have taken him to a doctor who specializes in concussions.
Patrick’s senior year, he was sucker punched while trying to pull a boy off one of his best friends during an attack. It was dark and Patrick didn’t see the other kid coming. At 6’ 1”, Patrick fell backwards hard and was knocked out cold. Another boy who was there said Patrick was unconscious for about a minute.
A third concussion occurred the summer before he started his freshman year at Appalachian State University.
Patrick and friends were wakeboarding on a trip to the beach, he wiped out, and the board hit him in the head. He was unconscious in the water for a few seconds. He didn’t go see a doctor after this incident and didn’t make us aware that it even happened until much later in the summer. We found a prescription for Ibuprofen amongst his things, he apparently was still having headaches from time to time.
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The last day Patrick was alive was Valentine’s Day 2019. This seems appropriate to me given his ability to love deeply. Other than being Valentine’s Day, it seemed to be a normal day for him at school. We texted back and forth, I sent him $50 and a funny pair of socks for the holiday. My husband talked to him several times that afternoon. He sent a funny picture of himself wearing protective goggles during a routine medical exam with a goofy smile on his face like he was in mid laughter! He put his deposit down on his apartment for the following year and he paid for his spring break trip.
Later that evening Patrick met up with his friends at the “cabin,” a regular hang out spot in Boone, NC. On his way out of the dorm, he ran into his good friend Hannah. She said they chatted for several minutes, caught up, and exchanged hugs before Patrick began his walk.
That night, the boys without girlfriends hung out, drank a few beers, started goofing around and being silly. At some point they started to joke-wrestle with each other. Patrick and another boy ended up falling over the porch railing and down a slight hill. They both said they were OK and the fun resumed. At 10:30 p.m. Patrick asked a girl to an upcoming formal, she said yes. Being a school night, the boys disbanded around 11:30 p.m. Patrick was there with his very best friend Palmer, who he said goodnight to and then walked back to his dorm alone.
There is video footage of Patrick walking into the dorm at 12:10 a.m. His roommate JT wasn’t yet home, he had fallen asleep in another friend’s dorm room.
Video footage shows JT entering the dorm at approximately 3:00 a.m. Two minutes later 911 was called. JT tried to revive Patrick but he was gone.
No note, nothing in a text message, or email. Nothing in his sketchbook, no dark poetry. The police interviewed over 20 kids, not one said they noticed that Patrick was different, withdrawn, not himself. We, his family, had just spent 10 days in Belize over Christmas break. My husband bought us all tickets to go see Justin Timberlake in concert. We went to see the latest Marvel movie, Patrick’s favorite. Spent time just hanging around the house together. Everything seemed normal.
So, what happened? Why did this carefree kid, who loved his family, had multiple tribes, and felt blessed to be a part of this college experience at App State suddenly end his life?
This doesn’t make any sense. I realize that suicide survivors often say the same thing about their loved one that has passed. I strongly feel something is out of place. Intuitively, I would have known something was going on with Patrick.
We were too close, there is no way I wouldn’t have felt an underlying pain if Patrick was hiding something.
BRAIN TRAUMA AND PATRICK: WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED.
Concussions, brain trauma and CTE had recently come into focus as more and more research, documentaries, and athletes stepped forward. With that in mind, my focus started to shift to Patrick’s past concussions and the fall he took the night he died. I remember thinking, the fall must have been significant because several of the boys mentioned it to me the day of his service. Was it possible that he hit his head that night during the fall and reinjured a part of his brain that had been previously damaged? While he was alone in his dorm room in the middle of the night did his brain experience an aneurism, did it short circuit somehow?
I connected with several psychic mediums to try and find answers. Through that process, I was able to communicate with Patrick and learn he felt very intense pressure deep in his head that night.
He couldn’t process how dangerous his actions were and thought an escape from the pain would mean sleep, not death. This revelation was incredibly significant.
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My goal in sharing my journey in connecting with my son after his death is to highlight the connection between brain trauma and suicide. Studies show suffering just one concussion doubles your risk of suicide. Even without any history of depression or observable changes in mood, it’s important for everyone to understand the potential link. Patrick wasn’t depressed, he was hopeful and full of life. Something happened in his brain that night that can’t fully be explained, not yet. My hope is there will be more research and more questions will be asked like, did the deceased recently experience a fall that could have damaged their brain? Was the deceased healing from a recent concussion? Unless this knowledge is documented, how can it be researched? How will we as a society be aware of the danger without awareness and education?
Click here to donate to the Anderson family fundraiser in memory of Patrick Anderson.
Suicide is preventable and help is available. If you are concerned that someone in your life may be suicidal, the five #BeThe1To steps are simple actions anyone can take to help someone in crisis. If you are struggling to cope and would like some emotional support, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 to connect with a trained counselor. It’s free, confidential, and available to everyone in the United States. You do not have to be suicidal to call.
Are you or someone you know struggling with lingering concussion symptoms? We support patients and families through the CLF HelpLine, providing personalized help to those struggling with the outcomes of brain injury. Submit your request today and a dedicated member of the Concussion Legacy Foundation team will be happy to assist you.
This story adheres to the Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide from reportingonsuicide.org
Patrick Anderson – Cross Country
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Majoring in environmental studies .
.. Named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll for 2020-21 and 2021-22 … Recipient of the men’s cross country 2020-21 Strength & Conditioning Newcomer Award
2023 T&F: Competed in the mile, 3K and 5K during indoor season … Top 3,000-meter time was 8:09.50 to finish eighth at the Penn State National Invitational … Finished 23rd at the ACC Indoor Championship in the 5,000 meters (in 14:17.21) and 29th in the 3,000 meters (8:13.44).
2022 XC: Earned All-ACC and All-NCAA Southeast Regional honors … Finished 15th at the ACC Championships, finishing the 8K race in 23:20.8 … Crossed the tape in sixth place at the NCAA Southeast Regional, finishing the 10K race in 29:59.1 … Was 113th at the NCAA Championships, finishing the 10K in 30:21.0 … His best 8K finish of the year was 23:04.4, a second-place finish in the Paul Short Run on Sept. 30.
2022 T&F: During the indoor season, won the 5000m at the Indiana Relays in 14:00.
87, the second-fastest time in school history … Also won the 3000m at the Darius Dixon Invitational (7:54.64) … During the outdoor season, competed in the 5000m and 10,000m at NCAA Preliminaries … Second-team All-ACC in the 10,000 meters … Named to the All-ACC Academic Team for outdoors
2021 XC: Placed second at the season-opening Charlotte Opener (14:50.1) … Placed 26th at ACC Championships, 21st at NCAA Regionals and 108th at NCAA Championships … Earned All-Southeast Region honors … Named to the All-ACC Academic Team
2021 TF: Placed third in men’s 10,000 meters at ACC Outdoor Championships to earn first team All-ACC honors … NCAA First Round qualifier in the men’s 5,000 meters … Named to the All-ACC Academic Team for men’s outdoor track & field … Earned USTFCCCA All-Academic for the 2021 track season
2020 XC: Fourth among Tar Heels and 42nd overall at ACC Championships (24:12.1) .
.. Led the Tar Heels and placed third overall vs. Wake Forest and NC State on Oct. 16, covering the 8K course in 24:49.71
Before UNC: Graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School … Two-time state champion in cross country (2018, 2019) … 2019 Foot Locker Northeast Champion … 2019 Foot Locker Finals bronze medalist … 2018 Foot Locker finalist (29th place) … 2019 New Balance Nationals All-American in the outdoor mile (sixth place)
More on Anderson: Son of Meghan and Todd Anderson
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Jeff Skinner getting ready for a tough game
Author
Heather Angel
@nhlrussia
/ NHL.
com Correspondent
BUFFALO – Jeff Skinner doesn’t know what’s in store for him.
The Buffalo Sabers forward will play against the Carolina Hurricanes, his former team, for the first time. The game will take place at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina on Friday (Saturday, 03:30 GMT).
Skinner spent his first eight NHL seasons with the Hurricanes. On August 2, 2018, he was traded to the Buffalo Buffalo for forward Cliff Poo and three draft picks. The hockey player hopes that the game will be interesting, but it will not be easy.
“Of course I will. It’s part of the game, of life,” Skinner said.
Video: BAF-ANA: Skinner dealt with the goaltender spectacularly
Sabers coach Phil Housley understands Skinner well because he’s been in that situation himself.
Houseley played the first nine seasons for Buffalo, and then there was an exchange, and on January 4, 19At 91, he played for the first time against the Sabres with the Winnipeg Jets.
“You can prepare for this match as much as you like, but until you get on the ice, you start playing against former teammates, you will worry,” Houseley said. “He needs to go through this. We understand that this match is very is important to him. So we are doing everything to help him cope with emotions. On the other hand, this is an interesting moment for him. So far, he is doing great work, he has become a good partner, plays efficiently, does everything that is asked of him. We need to support him in Carolina.”
Skinner was selected by the Carolinas with the seventh overall pick in the 2010 draft. He didn’t know what was in store for him at Buffalo when the trade took place. But he was received very warmly. “Since then, everything has been great,” he says.
Skinner easily fit into the new team.
He spent most of the season on the left side of the top three with center Jack Eichel. Skinner currently ranks first with the Sabres in goals scored (29) and second in the NHL behind Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. In scoring (42) Skinner is second in Buffalo (Ikel – 49).
With that performance, Skinner can score 55 goals and 80 points, breaking two personal bests of 37 goals in 2016-17 and 63 points in 2010-11 and 2016-17.
“When you start playing with such a talented and technical partner, everything becomes easier,” Skinner said of Eichel. adapt. It’s very interesting to watch him every day in training or games. I see what he does and how he does it.”
[See also: Eichel could play against Carolina]
Understands Skinner and Jason Pominville. After playing 578 games for the Sabers, he scored a goal against a former team on October 14, 2013, already a player for the Minnesota Wild. In the summer of 2017, a reverse exchange took place, and on November 22, 2017, Pominville scored the puck against the Minnesota.
“Take this moment for granted, enjoy it,” says Pominville. “You have to prepare for this game like any other. He will be teased, he will meet many acquaintances. In fact, it all started already on Thursday. It’s interesting. The guys like that kind of thing. You have to get through it, then it gets easier and you can move on. But the first game will always be special.”
Extend
Carolina will do anything to sign Hamilton
Author
Kurt Dusterberg
@NHLrussia
/ NHL.com Independent Correspondent
ROLIES (North Carolina State) – Dougie Hamilton is set to extend his contract with the Carolina Hurricanes despite the club allowing him to negotiate contracts with other teams last month.
“Our #1 challenge is to sign him,” general manager Don Waddell said on Saturday. “Nothing has changed in that regard. Both sides agree that the issue should be resolved before free agency opens (July 28) because “We’ll need a quarterback if that doesn’t happen. We can’t afford to wait for Dougie to make a decision. We want him to stay on the team and hopefully close this week.”
The Hurricanes have allowed Hamilton’s agent JP Barry to negotiate with other teams for a possible trade and contract. The hockey player will be able to sign an eight-year contract without entering the unrestricted free agent market. If this happens, the maximum term of the new agreement will be seven years.
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Waddell plans to talk to Barry on Sunday.
“I think they know what the market is like, what he can get there,” Waddell said. what he thinks about it.
It’s all up to JP and me. We have to agree on a win-win deal. I think we can do it. Maybe somewhere else he will get more, but we are talking about a team that “He wants to win the Cup. We need resources across the lines to put together the best lineup. We have our thoughts on Dougie. He knows what he’s talking about. We’ve made him an offer and we’ll stick to the course we’ve set.”
Hamilton has played for the Carolinas for the last three seasons. He was traded to this team on June 23, 2018 from the Calgary Flames.
In each of these championships, the 28-year-old became the Hurricanes’ top scoring defenseman. At the end of last season, he shared seventh place in the league among defense players with 42 (10 + 32) points, playing in 55 games. This year he also set a personal best for powerplay points with 18.
In 11 Stanley Cup games last season, Hamilton scored five (2+3) points. The Carolinas (36-12-8) finished first in the Discover Central Division at the end of the regular season, but lost 1-4 to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the playoffs.
