It probably makes a bit of sense to mention how the teams got here, so let's start with the regular season.The Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes both steered clear of their conference championship trophies because of a superstition, but it can't work out for both of them.(Stephen R.
Sylvanie-Imagn Images and James Guillory-Imagn Images)The Golden Knights weren't exactly elite during it, but they clearly did enough to make the postseason.It happens often in hockey, probably more than any other sport, where a goalie or team gets hot, and they ride it to the Stanley Cup.
The Golden Knights were just 39-26-17 for the season, but have found their way to be one of the final two.DESPITE POTENTIAL RATINGS NIGHTMARE FOR NHL, VEGAS-CAROLINA STANLEY CUP FINAL STILL HAS PLENTY OF INTRIGUEThis is a great franchise, though.Since their inception, they've been to the Stanley Cup Finals multiple times and won it once.
They've only missed the playoffs one time.This postseason wasn't a cakewalk for them, but they did sweep the Colorado Avalanche, who were regarded as the best team in the league.
Prior to that, they took down the Utah Mammoth and the Anaheim Ducks both in six games.Vegas Golden Knights centers Colton Sissons, Tomas Hertl and Jack Eichel celebrate after winning Game 4 of the Western Conference finals against the Colorado Avalanche in Las Vegas on May 26, 2026.(John Locher/AP)I can't tell you that this would've been a make-or-break season for the Carolina Hurricanes, but it certainly hasn't put anyone's job in jeopardy that they've finally gotten to the Stanley Cup Finals.They were one of the league's best teams this season with a 53-22-7 record.
They made it to the Conference Finals last season, but were swept.It felt as if the same fate happened; there would be some shakeups.However, this has been a great run through the postseason for Carolina.
They've lost just one game on their journey to the Finals.Does that mean they should plan the parade? Not b...