2003 Eastern Conference Final Game 6
The only professional team from North Carolina to win a major sports championship.
The Carolina Hurricanes (colloquially known as the Canes) are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference. The team plays its home games at the Lenovo Center.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Raleigh Entertainment & Sports Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina
Lore & Background
The franchise was formed in 1971 as the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association (WHA). The Whalers saw success immediately, winning the Eastern Division in the WHA's first three seasons and becoming the inaugural Avco World Trophy champions at the end of the 1972–73 season. The Whalers again competed for the World Trophy in 1978, this time falling short to the Winnipeg Jets in a rematch of the 1973 Avco Cup Final. The franchise joined the NHL in 1979 as part of the NHL–WHA merger, renaming themselves the Hartford Whalers. The team relocated to North Carolina in 1997, rebranding themselves as the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes have won the Stanley Cup Final once, in 2006. They are the only professional team from North Carolina to have won a major sports championship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the series standing before Game 6 of the 2003 Eastern Conference Final?
The New Jersey Devils led the series three games to two, placing the Hurricanes in a must-win situation at home.
Where did this pivotal playoff matchup take place?
The game was played at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina, filled with fans desperate for a win.
Who was the starting goaltender for the New Jersey Devils in this series?
Martin Brodeur guarded the net for the Devils and was instrumental in their deep playoff run that season.
Did Carolina get eliminated from the playoffs during Game 6?
No, the Hurricanes won this contest to force a decisive Game 7 instead of ending their season immediately.
More in Iconic Matches & Playoff Runs
Elsewhere in Carolina Hurricanes
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced