Hurricanes eliminate Canadiens, advance to Stanley Cup Final
Carolina defeated Montreal 5-1 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final to secure their first Cup Final appearance since 2006.
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The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-1 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final, ending Canada's last hope for a Stanley Cup this year and sending the Canes to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since winning the cup in 2006.
The Hurricanes had played just 12 games since April 18 after sweeping the first two rounds, while Montreal had played 18 games, going the distance in both series. Despite the apparent advantage of more recent game action, the Canes dominated after their near-two-week break between rounds.
Taylor Hall and Logan Stankoven each scored twice and added two assists, with Hall getting the eventual game-winning goal just before the halfway point of the first period. The Hurricanes prevented Montreal from reaching 20 shots in Games 2, 3, and 4, a dominant defensive showing that earned them the Prince of Wales Trophy as Eastern Conference champions.
Cole Caufield scored the Canadiens' lone goal, ending Frederik Andersen's shutout streak that lasted 160 minutes and 16 seconds. Seth Jarvis added an empty-net goal to close out the match.
The Hurricanes will face the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final. Both teams will be seeking their second Cup in franchise history.