Canes fans' erupt over Shayne Gostisbehere's power-play goal (0:49) Greg Wyshynski May 29, 2026, 11:01 PM ET Close Greg Wyshynski is ESPN's senior NHL writer. The Carolina Hurricanes are Eastern Conference champions after their 6-1 victory in Game 5, dominating the Montreal Canadiens from the opening faceoff. The Hurricanes will play for the Stanley Cup for the first time since winning it in 2006, opening the championship series against the Vegas Golden Knights at home Tuesday night (8 p.m. ET, ABC). Here are the Game 5 grades and a look ahead for Carolina and Montreal. Carolina Hurricanes Grade: A+ The Canadiens' one clear path to extending this series was if the Hurricanes weren't ready for the moment. Carolina was one win from the Stanley Cup Final and playing at home. Maybe the emotions would be too overwhelming. Maybe the Canadiens could take advantage of those nerves. Instead, the Hurricanes were ready from the opening faceoff, when Jackson Blake barely missed a goal on a 2-on-1.…