Hurricanes, Sabres relish Game 7

For nearly two weeks, the Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres have fought to a standstill to see who will play for the Stanley Cup, so closing the intense series with a Game 7 in Raleigh, N.C., seems fitting.

Even inevitable.

“If you would’ve told me before the series that we’d be getting ready for Game 7, I wouldn’t have been surprised,” Carolina forward Kevyn Adams said.

“This is what we as competitors live for, so there’s no reason to be tight or nervous. It’s about going out there and playing your best game. We’re excited. We’re looking forward to this. And it’s nice to be at home, too.”

In an Eastern Conference finals series tied 3-3, the Hurricanes’ home-ice advantage might be the only discernible difference between evenly matched teams playing today for the right to face Edmonton in the Stanley Cup finals. Five games have been decided by a goal, the last two in overtime. Throughout the series, momentum has turned with each shift.

“It’s a great opportunity,” Sabres co-captain Chris Drury said. “You don’t know how many of these you’re going to get in your career and your life.”

Around the league

Wayne Gretzky signed a five-year deal to remain coach of the Phoenix Coyotes. … The Boston Bruins introduced Peter Chiarelli as their new general manager. … Defenseman Chris Chelios, 45, signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings. … Bryan Trottier was hired as the executive director of player development by the New York Islanders. … NHL revenues will surpass initial projections by some $300 million according to the players’ association.