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RALEIGH, N.C. _ The Stanley Cup is the most recognizable trophy in sports.
Every player on every NHL champion since 1927 has his name engraved on the silver chalice. No other sport does that, or lets every champion skate a lap hoisting the trophy.
The Carolina Hurricanes have a chance to add their names _ most of which are unfamiliar to casual fans _ when they open the best-of-7 Stanley Cup Finals at 8 p.m. Tuesday in Detroit.
The Red Wings have won the Cup twice since 1997 and nine times overall.
The Hurricanes are the surprise story in sports these days. In their 23 seasons, of which the first 18 were in Hartford, Conn., they won one playoff series.
That was 16 years ago.
This season, Carolina has won three series, all in six games, and clinched on the road against New Jersey, Montreal and Toronto.