The Carolina Hurricanes beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-1 in Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals and almost like the 1996 World Series Champion New York Yankees, the Hurricanes have to thank a rookie.  I say almost because Derek Jeter’s impact wasn’t as much as goalie, Cam Ward’s.  Ward who filled in at goal for the struggling Martin Gerber at the beginning of the playoffs and was simply amazing.  So amazing, in fact, he won the Conn Smythe Trophy that goes to the MVP of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

After leading the series 3-1, it looked like the Oilers would fold, but they came back in Game Five with a well-fought overtime win and a 4-0 blowout in Game Six.  However, they never looked like they were in control in Game Seven as Ward simply wouldn’t let them, blocking 22 shots of the Oilers’ 23 for the night.

This is the first Stanley Cup for the Carolina Hurricanes.  Congratulations!