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One Moment that will Haunt Each North Carolina Team Forever

By Christian Candeloro

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 04: Kris Jenkins #2 of the Villanova Wildcats shoots the game-winning three pointer to defeat the North Carolina Tar Heels 77-74 in the 2016 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at NRG Stadium on April 4, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 04: Kris Jenkins #2 of the Villanova Wildcats shoots the game-winning three pointer to defeat the North Carolina Tar Heels 77-74 in the 2016 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at NRG Stadium on April 4, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – JUNE 8: Defenseman Fredrik Olausson #27 of the Detroit Red Wings knocks over center Ron Francis #10 of the Carolina Hurricanes during game three of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals on June 8, 2002 at the Entertainment Sports Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Red Wings defeated the Hurricanes 3-2 in triple overtime. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images/NHLI)
RALEIGH, NC – JUNE 8: Defenseman Fredrik Olausson #27 of the Detroit Red Wings knocks over center Ron Francis #10 of the Carolina Hurricanes during game three of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals on June 8, 2002 at the Entertainment Sports Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Red Wings defeated the Hurricanes 3-2 in triple overtime. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images/NHLI) /

Red Wings Stomp Hurricanes in 2002 NHL Finals

After moving to North Carolina in 1997, the Hurricanes enjoyed several overly mediocre seasons. The team qualified for the postseason twice but each time was eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

That changed in 2001-02, when the Hurricanes jumped up the standings, posting 91 points and winning the Southeast Division. Led by Ron Francis and Sami Kapanen, Carolina ran through each Eastern Conference foe, eliminating the Devils, Canadiens and Maple Leafs, each in six games.

But alas, it’s first trip to the Stanley Cup Finals was no fairy tale ending, as the Hurricanes were quickly dismantled by the mighty Detroit Red Wings.

The Hurricanes took game one of the series but were never able to secure another victory. The ultimate backbreaker came in game three when the Red Wings stole a road game in three overtimes.

It ended with the Red Wings clinching in game five, leaving the Hurricanes forced to watch them celebrate.

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