Carolina Hurricanes finally break through to reach first Stanley Cup final in 20 years

• Carolina bury Montreal with first-period burst

• Hurricanes reach first Cup final since 2006

• Brind’Amour’s team ends years of heartbreak

Rod Brind’Amour wore a big smile as he walked on the ice to join his Carolina Hurricanes for a photo behind the Prince of Wales Trophy.

It took eight years, but the Hurricanes have finally broken through their Eastern Conference final roadblock. Now comes the chance to play for the Stanley Cup for the first time in two decades.