There are so many things that culminate with a Stanley Cup championship. Scott Burnside writes all of them were present in Raleigh in a Game 7 that was simply a thing of beauty. Story
Cam Ward, at 22 years and 110 days, is the third-youngest player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy. Patrick Roy earned that honor in 1986 at 20 years, 231 days, and Bobby Orr won that award in 1970 at 22 years, 51 days.
Ward is the first rookie goaltender to win Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals since Ken Dryden in 1971.
The Hurricanes and their fans celebrated the first major pro title in the state's history Tuesday, with the Stanley Cup signifying that hockey has found a home in North Carolina.
The first Stanley Cup finals of the post-lockout era showcased the positive steps taken by the NHL to get over its debilitating labor dispute -- but the series also highlighted the daunting challenge of persuading casual fans to watch.
Hurricanes center Doug Weight was in full gear for the team's morning skate, but he was not in the lineup for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals against Edmonton.
A few days ago, the Hurricanes were one goal away from winning their
first Stanley Cup. Now, they're trying to avoid a giant collapse
against the resurgent Oilers in Game 7.
The Hurricanes will have to play Game 6 without injured center Doug Weight, but they're confident Matt Cullen -- or anyone else who's called upon -- will step in to fill the void.
It's unknown whether injuries sustained in Game 5 to forward Doug Weight or defenseman Aaron Ward will keep them out of the lineup for Saturday's sixth game against the Oilers.
Eric Staal finally broke through after the longest goal drought of his first playoff run. It still wasn't enough to help the Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup.
Canes coach Peter Laviolette was quick to shoot down any suggestion injured forward Erik Cole would make a dramatic return to the Hurricanes lineup in this Stanley Cup finals series.
In building a 2-0 series lead over Edmonton, the Hurricanes have shown an
uncanny knack of getting in the way of shots without the benefit of
oversized pads.
HURRICANES WIN 4-3
There are so many things that culminate with a Stanley Cup championship. Scott Burnside writes all of them were present in Raleigh in a Game 7 that was simply a thing of beauty. 
Cam Ward, at 22 years and 110 days, is the third-youngest player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy. Patrick Roy earned that honor in 1986 at 20 years, 231 days, and Bobby Orr won that award in 1970 at 22 years, 51 days.
