SPORTS

Canadiens face rested Hurricanes in Eastern Conference opener

PUBLISHED May 21, 2026, 4:32 AM ET

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RALEIGH — The Montreal Canadiens play the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final tonight after Montreal advanced by winning consecutive seven-game series over Tampa Bay and Buffalo, finishing the latter on Monday; Carolina, which last played May 9, swept Ottawa and Philadelphia to open the playoffs 8-0 and awaits Montreal at Lenovo Center. Montreal seeks its first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 2021 while Carolina aims for a return to the Cup Final for the first time since 2006; this week the teams begin a best-of-seven series with noted contributors including Juraj Slafkovsky and Kirby Dach, and historical comparisons to past rapid rebuilds have been highlighted in coverage.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

1987: NHL adopts four-round, best-of-seven playoff format.
2006: Carolina Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup (last Cup Final appearance).
2010-11: Tampa Bay Lightning reach conference final after a rapid rebuild.
2022: Montreal selects Juraj Slafkovsky first overall in the NHL Draft.
May 9–21, 2026: Carolina completes two playoff sweeps (through May 9); Montreal wins consecutive Game 7s and Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final scheduled May 21.

News Intelligence

This game is a big deal for hockey fans. Montreal hasn't made it to the Stanley Cup Final since
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Carolina hasn't since
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Both teams have key players like Juraj Slafkovsky and Kirby Dach. If you're a fan, you'll want to watch. If you're not, it's a great time to start.

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Who Benefited

The Montreal Canadiens benefited by advancing to the Eastern Conference final after winning consecutive Game 7 road games against Tampa Bay and Buffalo, securing continued playoff revenue, media exposure, and progression toward the Stanley Cup final.

Who Impacted

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres were eliminated by Montreal in Game 7 exits, and Ottawa and Philadelphia were eliminated earlier by Carolina; those teams' seasons ended with corresponding postseason eliminations.

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