Hurricanes Tie Stanley Cup Final at 2-2 on Staal’s Backhand Heroics

On June 9, the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Vegas Golden Knights 5-3 in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena. Jordan Staal scored twice, including a backhand at 6:32 of third that gave Carolina a 4-3 lead, later extended by Nikolaj Ehlers’ empty-net goal. Win tied series at two games each.

Staal scores backhand goal while falling in Game 4 of Stanley Cup FinalHurricanes tie Stanley Cup Final as Staal powers Game 4 winHurricanes’ Jordan Staal makes Stanley Cup Final history last seen 43 years agoUsNews and World Report

Vegas entered Game 4 with a 2-1 series lead. The first three games were decided by one goal; Game 3 went to double overtime after the Knights lost a 4-0 third-period lead. The four contests produced 33 goals, the third-highest total in a Final since 1981.

Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights Odds, Picks & Predictions for Stanley Cup Final Game 4

Staal’s two goals raised his Final total to five, the most by a player aged 37 or older since Brad Marchand in 2025, and made him the first captain to score in each of the first four games. Brandon Bussi made his playoff debut, posting 18 saves on 21 shots; Rod Brind Amour praised his solid performance after resting starter Frederik Andersen. The Hurricanes outshot the Knights 28-21, and the series total of 33 goals ranks third in Final history. Hart allowed four goals, with sources reporting either 23 or 24 saves.

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Brind Amour said the goaltending change gave Andersen a needed break and called Bussi’s play solid. Bussi called the win a great effort and expressed excitement about returning to Raleigh. Tortorella praised his team’s battle back but lamented they didn’t earn winning goal. Critics noted the risk of pulling Andersen mid-series and questioned whether the move was proactive. Sources differ on Hart’s save total, reporting 23 or 24.

Jordan Staal’s Two Goals Lift Hurricanes Past Golden Knights, Tie Stanley Cup Final

• “I'm honored to have the opportunity. It was a great effort by us tonight, and I'm excited to get back to Raleigh.” — Brandon Bussi, Hurricanes goaltender

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• “I'm having so much fun out there. Just love grinding with these guys and just finding ways to get wins, and finding a way to get that mug,” — Jordan Staal, Hurricanes captain

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• “He got a taste of it the other night, and kind of just picked up where he left off…he was really solid all night. Got to give him a lot of credit.” — Rod Brind Amour, Hurricanes head coach

Jordan Staal’s Two Goals Lift Hurricanes Past Golden Knights, Tie Stanley Cup Final

• “I thought we battled back; I thought our third period was our best period,” he said.” — John Tortorella, Golden Knights head coach

Jordan Staal’s Two Goals Lift Hurricanes Past Golden Knights, Tie Stanley Cup Final

Game 5 is Thursday at the Carolina Hurricanes’ Lenovo Center in Raleigh. The series is tied 2-2, and the next two games will decide which team gains a decisive home-ice advantage.

Staal Leads Hurricanes to Game 4 Victory, Ties Stanley Cup Final 2-2