GAME 1 – VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 5 CAROLINA HURRICANES 4 (VGK 1-0)

Recap: The Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes faced off in Raleigh, NC for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Carolina took an immediate 1-0 lead in the opening minute of Game 1. The Hurricanes doubled their lead past the midway point of the 1st period. 80 seconds later, Vegas defenseman Shea Theodore cut into Carolina’s lead with a deflected point shot to make it 2-1. Ivan Barbahsev tied the game quickly into the middle frame. Minutes later, William Karlsson gave Vegas their first lead of Game 1. Carolina scored later in the period to tie the game 3-3. Vegas’ Brett Howden continued his strong postseason with the go-ahead goal 1:21 into the final period. Carolina wouldn’t go away and tied the with under ten minutes to play. Tomas Hertl broke the 4-4 tie with a clutch late-game-winning goal. The Golden Knights take a 1-0 lead in the Final by defeating the Hurricanes 5-4 in Raleigh. Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final is scheduled for Thursday at 5PM PT in North Carolina. (Recap by Jason) Analysis: Carolina dominated the early part of the 1st period, then VGK dominated the early part of the 2nd period. Each time found a way to control the game in their own way for decently long stretches and both were opportunistic with their chances. VGK continued to find ways to generate chances in the 3rd period and a couple of magnificent passes from Shea Theodore and Colton Sissons set up Brett Howden and Tomas Hertl for go-ahead goals. The 6-on-5 defense was outstanding once again and VGK have swept Game 1’s in the 2026 playoffs. (Recap by Ken) Upcoming stories from Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights vs Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center. 6-on-5 defense Ken’s Three VGK Stars *** Brett Howden ** Tomas Hertl * Shea Theodore Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final was the Golden Knights' SEVENTH comeback win of this postseason. Five from one goal, one from two goals (tonight), one from three goals. 7 wins out of 13. — SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) June 3, 2026 The Golden Knights have won Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final! They are now a perfect 4-0 in Game 1's this season. They are 3-0 in Game 1's of the Stanley Cup Final. And they have won 7 straight playoff games! The last loss was 23 days ago! — SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) June 3, 2026 Sissons with a brilliant pass off the wall to Hertl and he absolutely buries it! V