Carolina Hurricanes’ Jordan Staal (11) skates to accept the Prince of Wales Trophy following Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, May 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker)
Carolina Hurricanes’ Sebastian Aho (20) and Seth Jarvis, right, watch a replay of Jarvis’ empty-net goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, May 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker)
Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour, top right, looks at a replay during the first period in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, May 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker)
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The on-ice celebration was underway for the Carolina Hurricanes after securing their first trip to the Stanley Cup Final in two decades. Rod Brind’Amour hugged and congratulated his players, all while reminding them there was another series ahead.
Then came veteran forward Jordan Martinook.
