Everyone projected the team would take a step back this year and they've done better than anyone predicted. Losing 2 games to the defending SC champs in a B2B where the 2nd game is away, while playing with 3rd/4th string goalies isn't the end of the world. Learn lessons, make adjustments and move on. They'll need to figure out how to win against Florida in the post season either way.
While goaltender's individual play maybe wasn't the issue (per what I read above), I want to remind everyone of the "Scott Darling" effect, where the Canes skaters played way better in front of Cam Ward, more confident, scored more, played better defense, etc... than they did in front of Scott Darling. IIRC, they played at > 100 point pace with Ward in net and something like a 65 point pace with Darling in net, and it wasn't just due to the goalies individual play. There was some psychological reasons as well where the team didn't play as well or as confident with Darling in net. I didn't watch yesterday's game so I'm not saying that was the case here. Buckling down in front of a non-NHL quality back-up/zamboni driver can works for a game or two, but not long term.
Or, maybe they just shit the bed.