This moment has been 20 years in the making for the Carolina Hurricanes. For the first time since 2006, the Stanley Cup Final will kick off in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Tuesday night. The Canes have been incredible during this run, losing just once in 13 games on their way to series victories over the Ottawa Senators, the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Montreal Canadiens.
The Canes are making their third trip to the Cup Final in franchise history. Their first journey ended in defeat. Ron Francis scored the overtime winner in Game 1 before the Canes lost four straight to the Detroit Red Wings. Four years later, the Canes reached the summit. In a grueling seven-game set with the Edmonton Oilers, the Stanley Cup made its home in Raleigh for the first time.
On the Other Side: Vegas Golden Knights
Season Series: We have to go back to October for both meetings this season. They first met on the fourth stop of the Canes' early State Fair road trip. Vegas scored twice in the first period, and it was more than enough in a 4-1 win. Eight days later, they collided in Raleigh. Once again, Vegas was victorious. The Canes led 3-2 early in the third until Vegas rattled off four straight goals in a 6-3 win.
The Golden Knights took a slightly less conventional way to the top of the Pacific Division. Despite losing more games than they won, Vegas lost 17 of their 43 games in overtime or a shootout, winning the division by two points. They shocked the hockey world by firing Bruce Cassidy with eight games remaining, replacing him with John Tortorella. I'd say the move worked out well for Vegas.
After going 7-0-1 to finish the regular season, Vegas took down the Utah Mammoth and the Anaheim Ducks in six games, advancing to the Western Conference Finals once more. Against the top team in the league, the Colorado Avalanche, Vegas swept their way to their third Stanley Cup Final. Carter Hart has been excellent in goal, while Mitch Marner and Jack Eichel are 1-2 in points this postseason.
Vegas is also making its third trip to the Stanley Cup Final. Their trip during their inaugural season in 2018 ended in defeat at the hands of the Washington Capitals in five games. In 2023, they climbed to the top of the mountain, beating the Florida Panthers in five. Jonathan Marchessault was named the Conn Smythe winner of that run, though there were several serious contenders to win it.
What to Watch in Game 1
Andersen vs. Hart: Entering this series, only one goalie in NHL history has appeared in more playoff games without reaching the Stanley Cup Final than Frederik Andersen. That will change on Tuesday night. Concerns about whether he could lead a team to this point have been put to bed. He'll lead his team onto the ice tonight, preparing to make his first start in the fourth round.
Standing across from him will be Carter Hart, who is also appearing in his first Cup Final. He has been outstanding over the last two rounds, allowing just 19 goals on 310 shots against Anaheim and Colorado. I want to see which goalie comes out and meets the moment head-on. There's a clear experience edge in Vegas' favor in the series, but that's not the case between the pipes.
Home ice advantage: If there's one thing that I know for certain, it's that the Lenovo Center is going to be absolutely rocking for Game 1. This fan base has longed for Stanley Cup Final games to be played in Raleigh for the last two decades. Now, they're finally getting their chance to see it again. Many have commented on how hard an arena it is to play in as the visitors.
Outside of the crowd factor, the Canes earned their chance to open the series at home with their work during the regular season. You play the 82-game schedule to put yourself in this position so that when it does happen, you get to start with this advantage. However, it's only an advantage if you defend it properly. Vegas will be a tough out, so starting at home should be a good thing for Carolina.
Add us as a preferred source on Google