LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes won their first Stanley Cup championship in 20 years on Sunday night, using a suffocating defense in Game 6 to shut down the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 and winning three straight games of a thrilling final filled with momentum swings and spectacular offense. Brandon Bussi, who entrance late into Game 3 helped turn around the series, recorded his first career playoff shutout in stopping 22 shots. Jackson Blake backed him up with a goal and assist, and Taylor Hall scored just 3:47 into the game to set the tone. Nikolaj Ehlers added an empty-net goal.
Carolina’s Jordan Staal wins the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, oldest on record at age 37
Jordan Staal has won the Conn Smythe Trophy for leading the Carolina Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup. Staal was their top goal-scorer in the final against Vegas and for the entire playoff run was a shutdown center and an ace in the faceoff circle. The longest-tenured player in the organization after joining in a trade from Pittsburgh in 2012, Staal has been captain for the past seven years. He is the oldest Stanely Cup MVP at the age of 37.
Once a journeyman, Brandon Bussi backstops the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup championship
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Rod Brind’Amour praised Brandon Bussi before the Stanley Cup Final, relieved the Carolina Hurricanes hadn’t needed their backup goalie. But Bussi ended up backstopping the team to the franchise’s secnd championship. Frederik Andersen played the first three rounds, but Bussi came in during Game 3 and finished the series. Bussi, 27, was crucial in the clincher, making key saves in Game 6. Once a journeyman, he played nearly half the season’s games, helping Carolina earn the top seed. Now, he’s a Stanley Cup champion.