After the Hurricanes took a 4-0 pounding in Game 6, there were really only two possibilities for Game 7: either they were completely out of gas, or they were going to roar back and avenge their wounded egos by putting their names on the Cup. Turns out it was the latter, as Edmonton couldn't get anything going. Fernando Pisani's goal in the opening minutes of the third period brought with it a glimmer of hope, but Carolina shut Edmonton down the rest of the way, as Cam Ward polished off a Conn Smythe-winning playoff performance with just the one goal allowed.

If you're an Edmonton fan, the loss stings even more now that Chris Pronger wants a trade (for personal reasons, is the word on the street), and Mike Peca and Dwayne Roloson are by no means locks to return. Just when it looked like the Oilers could be contenders for a while, this uncertainty has been heaped upon them, and the tragedy is that their fans - the best in the league - don't deserve it. GM Kevin Lowe is very skilled at his trade, however, and will get back some value in whatever deal he makes for Pronger (and make no mistake, teams are lining up for the defenceman, who is a steal at $6.25 million per season).

As horrible as the Cup loss was for the Oilers, though, any hockey fan couldn't help but feel happy for Rod Brind'Amour, the gritty 'Canes captain who finally got a chance to raise Lord Stanley's mug. He deserved that victory, and the team around him deserved the recognition that they'll now get as a legitimate NHL power.