Underdog overview.

The Hurricanes prepared themselves for their first Stanley Cup finals knowing they were huge underdogs. Throughout their Cup quest, the team hasn't been given much respect or much of a chance of success. But the Hurricanes are having the last laugh as the Eastern Conference champions. And given their fine defensive play and scoring balance, they deserve more credit.

Carolina will get that much-deserved respect in the finals against the Red Wings. The Hurricanes won't go down as easily as most people think, but they don't have enough firepower to win.

A look at why the Hurricanes have been successful and how they stack up against the Wings.

Goal

Although the Hurricanes used both Arturs Irbe and Kevin Weekes through the playoffs, Irbe's brilliance in the third round against the Leafs got Carolina to the finals. His 1.4 goals-against average and .947 save percentage through the first three rounds doesn't tell the whole story: His spectacular 0.94 GAA and .962 save percentage in the Eastern Conference finals were the more spectacular numbers. Irbe might not have the hardware of Dominik Hasek, but his play has been as impressive.

Defense

The Hurricanes' defense is surprisingly steady and mobile. Sean Hill and Bret Hedican played the best hockey of their careers in the first three series. Hedican's mobility helps push the puck up the ice and gets the team's transition game going, and Hill is solid in his own end. The size of Marek Malik and Aaron Ward helps protect the front of the net and dominate the boards. When David Tanabe was injured, Niclas Wallin came in and was a reliable replacement, posting a plus-5 through three rounds. Glen Wesley completes a solid and experienced blue-line unit. Bonus: Three of the Hurricanes' first 12 game-winning postseason goals came from the defense.