Raleigh Hurricanes clinch Stanley Cup Final berth
PUBLISHED May 30, 2026, 9:10 AM ET
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Carolina advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 20 years with a 6-1 home win over the Montreal Canadiens on Friday in Raleigh, closing out the Eastern Conference finals in five games. The Hurricanes had previously fallen in the conference finals in 2019, 2022 and 2024, underscoring the significance of this breakthrough. Carolina has lost only once in these playoffs, starting 12-1, the best opening postseason mark since the 1976 Montreal Canadiens. Goaltender Frederik Andersen made 23 saves while playing one day after the death of his longtime agent, Claude Lemieux. Carolina will face the Vegas Golden Knights beginning Tuesday in Raleigh.
By James Porter | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- 1976 Canadiens start playoffs 12-1
- 2019 Hurricanes lose in conference finals
- 2022 Hurricanes again fall in semifinals
- 2024 Hurricanes suffer third conference exit
- Thursday Agent Claude Lemieux reportedly dies
- Friday Carolina beats Montreal 6-1
- Friday Andersen records 23 saves in clincher
- Tuesday Stanley Cup Final scheduled to begin
News Intelligence
- This is a big moment for Raleigh and Carolina sports fans. The Hurricanes' Stanley Cup Final berth is a testament to resilience, after three tough conference finals losses. It's a great time to rally behind the team, show your support, and share in the community spirit.
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