The Carolina Hurricanes dispatched the Montreal Canadiens with a 6-1 win in Game 5 on Friday, clinching the Eastern Conference title and punching the ir ticket to the Stanley Cup Final where the y'll meet the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Hurricanes posted a dominant 12-1 record through 13 postseason games, allowing just 21 goals along the way. Goaltender Frederik And ersen enters the Final as the leading candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
Vegas made quick work of the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Final, sweeping the series in four straight games. Mitch Marner leads all playoff performers with 21 points, shaking off previous postseason setbacks. Goaltender Carter Hart has provided steady reinforcement since the second round.
The Final figures to be a grind. Both teams have built the ir success on defensive structure, meaning scoring chances could come at a premium.
Stanley Cup Final Schedule
Game 1: Tuesday, June 2 | at Carolina | 8 p.m. | ABC
Game 2: Thursday, June 4 | at Carolina | 8 p.m. | ABC
Game 3: Saturday, June 6 | at Vegas | 8 p.m. | ABC
Game 4: Tuesday, June 9 | at Vegas | 8 p.m. | ABC
Game 5: Thursday, June 11 | at Carolina | 8 p.m. | ABC
Game 6: Sunday, June 14 | at Vegas | 8 p.m. | ABC
Game 7: Wednesday, June 17 | at Carolina | 8 p.m. | ABC
Eastern Conference Final
(1) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (3) Montreal Canadiens
Game 1: Canadiens 6, Hurricanes 2
Game 2: Hurricanes 3, Canadiens 2
Game 3: Hurricanes 3, Canadiens 2
Game 4: Hurricanes 4, Canadiens 0
Game 5: Hurricanes 6, Canadiens 1
Western Conference Final
(1) Colorado Avalanche vs. (1) Vegas Golden Knights
Game 1: Golden Knights 4, Avalanche 2
Game 2: Golden Knights 3, Avalanche 1
Game 3: Golden Knights 5, Avalanche 3
Game 4: Golden Knights 2, Avalanche 1