What Happened
The Carolina Hurricanes finished what the y started against the Montreal Canadiens with a 6-1 win in Game 5 on Friday, closing out the Eastern Conference Final and booking the ir ticket to the Stanley Cup Final.
The Hurricanes finished the series with a dominant 12-1 record in the postseason. The ir defense held firm across 13 games, allowing just 21 goals total. Goaltender Frederik And ersen will enter the Final as a leading candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
The ir opponents waiting in the West proved equally clinical. The Vegas Golden Knights swept the Colorado Avalanche in four straight games during the Western Conference Final, marking the most impressive series performance of any team this playoffs.
Why It Matters
Mitch Marner shook off previous playoff disappointments to lead all scorers with 21 points, anchoring a two-way game that has driven Vegas throughout the postseason. Goaltender Carter Hart has provided a steady presence between the pipes since the second round.
Two of the NHL's tightest defensive clubs meeting in the Final means goals figures to be at a premium. For those hoping for a higher-scoring affair than the conference finals offered, this rematch should deliver more drama even if the highlight reel stays light.
Stanley Cup Final Schedule (all times ET):
What Comes Next
Game 1: Tuesday, June 2 | Carolina vs. Vegas | 8 p.m. | ABC
Game 2: Thursday, June 4 | Carolina vs. Vegas | 8 p.m. | ABC
Game 3: Saturday, June 6 | Vegas vs. Carolina | 8 p.m. | ABC
Game 4: Tuesday, June 9 | Vegas vs. Carolina | 8 p.m. | ABC
*Game 5: Thursday, June 11 | Carolina vs. Vegas | 8 p.m. | ABC
*Game 6: Sunday, June 14 | Vegas vs. Carolina | 8 p.m. | ABC
*Game 7: Wednesday, June 17 | Carolina vs. Vegas | 8 p.m. | ABC