The $30 million trophy tradition

The Carolina Hurricanes' decision not to touch the Stanley Cup trophy is a long-standing tradition that has been passed down through generations of players.

According to head coach Rod Brind'Amour, the advice came from his own experience as a player and captain of the 2006 Stanley Cup-winning team.

The Florida Panthers, who won the last two Stanley Cups, lost the final series in 2023 after touching the conference trophy, but came back to win it twice after not touching it.

A history of inconsistency

The Hurricanes' history with the Stanley Cup is a mixed bag,with some players choosing to touch the trophy and others opting not to.

In the team's only other Easter Conference Finals win in 2002,captain Ron Francis picked up the trophy, and Carolina lost the 2002 Stanley Cup in five games to the Detroit Red Wings.

Under Brind'Amour, Carolina has lost three conference finals series, all by three or four games.

The Vegas challenge ahead

The team is set to face the Vegas Golden Knights in the finals,and head coach Rod Brind'Amour was candid about the challenges that will come ahead.

He was a lot more excited as a player when winning the Prince of Wales trohy as a player versus a coach.

Who will break the curse?

The question on everyone's mind is whether the Hurricanes' decision not to touch the trophy will bring them good luck in the finals.

Only time will tell if the team will be able to break the curse and bring home the Stanley Cup.

The Canes' win on Friday comes after years of knocking on the door to return to the Stanley Cup Finals.