Canes are one of the most exciting teams in hockey. Svechnikov and Aho are legitimate stars playing in a smaller (but passionate) market. Slavin and Hamilton are 2 of the best defensemen in the league.

The Islanders are extremely well coached. Barzal (when not skating in circles) is a heck of a player, and Pulock-Pelech is one of the top pairs in the entire league. 2 legit goalies in Varly/Ilya as well.

Montreal has playoff Price, who has apparently gone back to 2014 form at least for the playoffs.

Irony is Fla might have done better if they had Ekblad

above average good players like you mentioned (minus Price) do not sell tickets, tv ratings or merchandise. In other words nobody outside the team fanbase cares.

Don't think they're having problem selling tickets on the Island or in Raleigh right now...