Vegas, Carolina Shrug Off Conference Trophies For Bigger Prize

Vegas and Carolina are treating the conference trophies like decorative paperweights, which is exactly how contenders should act this time of year. The real chase is still ahead, and both clubs know that none of the hardware on the side shelf matters if the last team standing is holding the Cup. This is the part of the playoffs where the speeches get shorter, the shifts get longer, and everybody starts talking like the parade route is still up for grabs.