Carolina has made it all the way to the Stanley Cup finals after a 12–1 win. Their only, and somewhat shocking, loss - to Montreal in the first game of the semi-finals - proved a catalyst; they have since dominated the series with four straight wins.
In the game, the home team had already built a three-goal lead after the first period, which, despite a strong final period by Montreal, was never threatened.
"Be ready"
The first final game will be played on Wednesday night. Vegas, who made a splash by defeating Colorado 4–0 in their series, will face them in the final.
"They beat the Avalanche 4–0 in the series, which shows they are a great team. We'll study their game in the coming days and be ready," Carolina's Sebastian Aho told reporters after the game.
Refused to touch the trophy
Carolina not only secured a place in the finals with the victory, but also the Prince of Wales Trophy, which is given to the winner of the Eastern Conference. But the players were careful not to touch it, as they did in 2006, the only year Carolina won the Stanley Cup. In 2002, however, team captain Ron Francis picked it up, and they went on to lose the final series against Detroit.
Aho admits that the players talked through the trophy procedure beforehand.
"It was a group decision," the Finn said.
Instead, he and the others hope to lift the Stanley Cup in a couple of weeks.
"Absolutely true, that's the goal."
