The Hurricanes on Sunday captured their first Stanley Cup in 20 years with a 3-0 win over the Golden Knights in Game 6. Hurricanes C Jordan Staal was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the NHL playoff MVP. He became the oldest player to earn the distinction. The “horde of Hurricanes fans” at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas were alternating cheers: “Let’s go Canes!” and “Bus-si! Bus-si!” The cheers “only got louder,” turning to “We want the Cup!” (Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER, 6/14). A championship celebration is scheduled for Saturday at 11am in Downtown Raleigh. The Hurricanes said that more information “will be announced in the coming days” (Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER, 6/15).
Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon said on the ice after the game, “I’m so happy. The losing is so hard that you’ve got to enjoy it when you win” (WFMYNEWS2.com, 6/15). He added, “It’s more of a relief, right? I felt like we probably could have done this by now. Thankful that we did it now.” Dundon: “The big challenge is when you win … how do you stay hungry? I’m not actually that worried about it because (coach Rod Brind’Amour) doesn’t know any other way” (WRAL.com, 6/15).
