TORONTO, May 28 (UPI) -- Martin Gelinas scored at 8:05 of overtime Tuesday night as the Carolina Hurricanes advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in club history with a 2-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Hurricanes' trip to play for one of the most coveted prizes in sports did not come without a fight from the gritty Maple Leafs,who forced overtime on captain Mats Sundin's goal with 22 seconds remaining in regulation.
Not wanting to face a decisive Game Seven, the Hurricanes rose to the occasion in overtime as they have been doing the entire postseason.
Working in the right corner, Josef Vasicek threw a pass in front to Gelinas, who chipped the puck past goaltender Curtis Joseph for his third postseason goal.
Gelinas' goal improved the Hurricanes to 6-1 in overtime in the playoffs. It marked the third time in as many series they won a Game Six on the road.
In their fifth season in Carolina since relocating from Hartford, the Hurricanes will meet either Colorado or Detroit in the NHL Finals.
