STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS - CAROLINA HURRICANES

The Carolina Hurricanes' "no-name defence" will now be recognized at least one place - on the Stanley Cup.

Rookie sensation Cam Ward made 22 saves and defencemen Aaron Ward and Frantisek Kaberle scored as the Hurricanes captured the first Stanley Cup in franchise history with a 3-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game Seven of the Finals.

Seeking its sixth Stanley Cup title, Edmonton was unable to complete the storybook ending to its incredible season. But that was in no way due to the play of goaltender Jussi Markkanen, who played well once again in place of the injured Dwayne Roloson.

Cam Ward won the Conn Smythe Trophy as NHL playoffs most valuable player.