The Carolina Hurricanes have evened the Stanley Cup Final series at two games apiece after a decisive 5-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 4. Played at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the win sets up a pivotal Game 5 back in Raleigh on Thursday.
Jordan Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates his power play goal with teammates against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period of Game Four of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on June 9, 2026. (Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
Staal was the catalyst for Carolina’s offensive surge, netting two goals to become the first player in 44 years to score in each of the first four games of the Stanley Cup Final. His second goal came on a chaotic sequence where he swatted a backhand shot past goaltender Carter Hart while still down on the ice following a skate edge loss.
The Hurricanes established early dominance, outscoring Vegas 3-1 in the opening period. Logan Stankoven opened the scoring just 66 seconds into the game, followed by Jackson Blake and Staal’s power-play marker. Despite a second-period rally that saw William Karlsson and Brett Howden tie the game at 3-3, Carolina’s defense held firm.
Jordan Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes scores a first-period goal against Carter Hart of the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Four of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on June 9, 2026. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Head coach Rod Brind’Amour’s decision to start Brandon Bussi over Frederik Anderson proved critical. Bussi made seven saves in limited action, helping stabilize the net. Nikolaj Ehlers sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, capping a performance that highlighted Carolina’s depth and resilience.
The series shifts back to Lenovo Center for Game 5, where both teams will look to seize momentum in this tightly contested championship battle.