The Background
For the second time in four seasons, the Carolina Hurricanes survived the Eastern Conference gauntlet to represent the conference in the Stanley Cup Final. After losing in 2002 to a loaded Detroit team, the Hurricanes were in search of the first cup victory in franchise history. The Canes dominated the Southeast Division, securing a franchise record 112 points and finishing second in the conference by one point.
The Hurricanes started poorly in the postseason, losing Games 1 and 2 at home to the Montreal Canadiens before turning to rookie goalie Cam Ward and beginning an incredible run. They won the next four games to eliminate the Canadiens and ran through the Devils in five games. The Eastern Conference Final against the Buffalo Sabres was a dogfight, but captain Rod Brind'Amour willed them through in Game 7 to win the Prince of Wales Trophy.
The Canes' opponent in the Stanley Cup Final was a major surprise. The Edmonton Oilers were the final team into the playoffs in the Western Conference, finishing with 95 points during the regular season. Stylistically different from their counterparts in the 1980s, this Oilers team lacked a bonafide star up front. Yet, they became the first eight seed ever to reach the finals.
Edmonton sent shockwaves through the league when they defeated the 124-point President's Trophy-winning Detroit Red Wings in the quarterfinals in six games. They followed it up by beating Hart winner Joe Thornton and the Sharks in six games and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in five games to claim the conference crown. Deadline acquisition Dwayne Roloson was putting up incredible numbers in the net, while Chris Pronger, Shawn Horcoff, and Fernando Pisani drove the offense.