Mike Benning, a fourth-round pick by Florida in 2020, has put together two strong AHL seasons with Charlotte after coming out of the University of Denver. His overtime winner in Game 2 of the Calder Cup Finals is just the latest achievement.

The Canucks know that they have a special one in goaltender Artūrs Šilovs. And what Šilovs does come springtime can no longer be considered an aberration or a one-off.

Put away the video. The pre-scout material, too. No more meetings. Game 1 of the Calder Cup Finals has arrived.

If you’re playing hockey in June, you’ve had a long season. And if you’re still working your way back from bilateral hip surgery two years ago, the road has felt even longer. 

Any aspiring Calder Cup championship team needs a game-breaker, and the Abbotsford Canucks have one in Linus Karlsson.

One goal here, one goal there, and the Texas Stars could have spent Monday preparing for Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. But instead of facing the Charlotte Checkers in the Calder Cup Finals, the Stars are headed home for the summer.

Another day, another series, another opponent, and another challenge await the Texas Stars.

Florida hasn’t owned many high selections in recent NHL drafts, but their young prospects in Charlotte have been surrounded by an impressive cast of teammates – many of whom are taking advantage of their second (or more) career chance.

The Laval Rocket had answers all season. But staggering after three decisive losses to the Charlotte Checkers in the Eastern Conference Finals, and the Rocket are scrambling for a response at the worst possible time.

For two teams who had to cram to learn about each other coming into the series, the Canucks and Stars both emerged from Thursday’s opener appearing already quite familiar with the other side. It also became clear that this could become a long series between two evenly matched clubs.