(North) Carolina area finals history notes

While the state of North Carolina has claimed 12 NCAA basketball titles (5 each by Duke University and North Carolina U. plus two more by North Carolina State University), a limited pro history has produced but one title.

The team that won it, the Carolina Hurricanes of the NHL won it all in the 2005- 2006 season, the first one after no season the year before.

That title made famed North Carolina resident, the late great actor Andy Griffith happy. What would not have is the fact that his image or career was not remembered at the Academy Award ceremonies’ tribute to those who passed on, in the first such ceremony after Mr. Griffith’s death.

I digress, of course.

The Hurricanes are (1-1) in finals, winning vs the Edmonton Oilers in the maximum 7 games in 2006 while losing in 5 games to the Detroit Red Wings in the 2002 final.

The Carolina Panthers, who get another title shot this Sunday lost in their lone previous Super Bowl/final by three points to the New England Patriots after the 2003 season.