The NHL just released the dates and times for the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoff Conference Finals.

The No. 2 seeded Detroit Red Wings and No. 4 Chicago Blackhawks start it out on Sunday in Detroit. The Pittsburgh Penguins (No. 4) and Carolina Hurricanes (No. 6) start their series on Monday in Pittsburgh.

RALEIGH — The Hurricanes didn't make it easy on themselves in a 3-1 loss to the Red Wings, committing six penalties — four of which came in the second period.

The Red Wings' first two goals both came during power plays.

"We came out with a better stride in the second period and started to generate a little more chances, but then you have guys sitting for six minutes," said Carolina coach Peter Laviolette. "You're out of the role of the bench and out of the synch of the bench."

Staff photo by Chris Seward

• Photo gallery

Third period: Red Wings 3, Hurricanes 1. FINAL.

Detroit center Henrik Zetterberg scores an empty-netter with 16 seconds left. ...

Canes unable to get off any great shots in closing minutes and Red Wings close it out. ...

The crowd wakes up with five minutes left after the Canes put the pressure on and fire off a handful of shots. The RBC Center had been quiet for much of the third period. ...

Samsonov is back on the ice. ...

Samsonov returns from the locker room and is back on the bench. ...

Samsonov injured his right foot about five minutes into the third period when Brad Stuart's shot deflected off his foot. He had to be carried to the locker room. ...

The Carolina Hurricanes don't want to find themselves down against the Detroit Red Wings — the defending Stanley Cup champions — Monday night at the RBC Center.

They've rallied late in the first two games this season and are lucky to be 2-0.

"A win's a win, and they don't really ask how," said Carolina goalie Cam Ward after Sunday morning practice. "They ask how many. But by no means were they the smoothest wins."