Hurricanes thrash Canadiens, advance to first Stanley Cup Final in 20 years (1:19)

Greg Wyshynski May 29, 2026, 10:56 PM ET

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Greg Wyshynski is ESPN's senior NHL writer.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- It took Rod Brind'Amour six seasons as a player to bring the Carolina Hurricanes their first Stanley Cup championship. After 15 years as their coach, he might finally have another chance to lift the Cup again.

The Hurricanes eliminated the Montreal Canadiens with a 6-1 rout in Game 5 to win the Eastern Conference championship on Friday night, continuing their juggernaut run through the playoffs.…