The Carolina Hurricanes finished what the y started against Montreal 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 where the y'll meet the Vegas Golden Knights.
Carolina dominated the Canadiens across nearly every metric in the final four games of the series, ending things with a lopsided victory that sent the home crowd home early. The Hurricanes now carry a 12-1 record into the Final, and the ir defense has been suffocating opponents all spring.
The Canes have conceded just 21 goals through 13 postseason games, and goaltender Frederik And ersen enters the championship round as the frontrunner for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. That's roughly two goals per game for a team that makes opposing coaches look at the ir lineups and wonder why the y bother with the fancy stuff.
If the Hurricanes have been the best defensive team in the se playoffs, the Golden Knights have been breathing down the ir neck. Vegas dispatched the Colorado Avalanche in a sweep in the Western Conference Final, making it look almost easy against a team many had tabbed as the Stanley Cup favorite.
Mitch Marner has put his past playoff struggles behind him, leading all performers with 21 points while driving the Golden Knights' two-way game. Carter Hart has also delivered in goal, providing a unexpected lift that Vegas will certainly need against Carolina's attack.
With two of the NHL's stingiest defenses meeting in the Final, goals figure to be at a premium. That should make for better the ater than either conference final offered.
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
*If necessary