Author: Mike Brehm, USA TODAY

The Panthers beat the Carolina Hurricanes 1-0 at home and can wrap up their first trip to the Stanley Cup Final since 1996 at home on Wednesday.

This year’s NHL playoffs conference finals are missing the big names from last year. How do the potential Stanley Cup Final matchups rank?

The NHL Stanley Cup playoffs conference finals are getting underway with Vegas Golden Knights-Dallas Stars and Carolina Hurricanes-Florida Panthers.

Dallas’ Roope Hintz broke a scoreless tie with a breakaway goal. Goalie Jake Oettinger rebounded from being pulled in Game 6 to beat Seattle 2-1.

It’s been 30 years since the last Canadian team won the Stanley Cup. That drought will continue after the Golden Knights knocked out the Oilers.

The Florida Panthers pulled off their second consecutive major upset to reach the Eastern Conference final for the first time since 1996.

Jesper Fast, who shot high on a wide-open net earlier in Game 5, didn’t miss on an overtime deflection as the Hurricanes beat the Devils 3-2.

The Edmonton Oilers, who won 4-1, were upset with Alex Pietrangelo’s slash on Leon Draisaitl. The Vegas Golden Knights defenseman faces a hearing.

The Chicago Blackhawks won the NHL draft lottery and the right to select Connor Bedard. Who are the winners and losers from Monday night?