Full Breakdown
Hurricanes Even Stanley Cup Final with 5-3 Win Over Golden Knights
6/10/2026, 1:47:04 PM
Game 4 Summary
In Game 4 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final, the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 5-3 at T-Mobile Arena, tying the best-of-seven series at 2-2. Jordan Staal scored twice, including the go-ahead goal at 6:32 of the third period while lying on his stomach. Logan Stankoven opened the scoring 66 seconds in, Jackson Blake added a second goal two minutes later, and Nikolaj Ehlers sealed the win with an empty-netter in the final minute. For the Golden Knights, Mark Stone, William Karlsson and Brett Howden each recorded a goal; Carter Hart made 23 saves.
Series Context & Momentum
The series has featured frequent lead changes, with each team erasing two-goal deficits in Games 1, 2 and 3. Vegas entered Game 4 with a 2-1 series lead after a dramatic double-overtime win in Game 3. Carolina’s victory restores parity and shifts home-ice advantage back to Raleigh for the next two potential games.
Key Performers
- Jordan Staal (C) – Became the first player in 44 years to score in each of the first four Final games and the fourth player since the expansion era to do so.
- Brandon Bussi (G) – Made his first career playoff start, stopping 18 of 21 shots and preserving the lead in the third period.
- Rod Brind’Amour (HC) – Opted to rest veteran starter Frederik Andersen, citing the need for a break after Andersen’s heavy workload.
- Frederik Andersen (G) – Remained a healthy scratch; his season-long postseason GAA had risen each round.
- Mark Stone (C, VGK) – Scored the Knights’ first goal and continued to lead Vegas offensively.
Statistics & Records
- Staal’s two goals gave him five goals in the Final, the most by a skater age 37+ in a single Final (second only to Brad Marchand’s six in 2025).
- The Hurricanes outshot Vegas 28-21 and posted a 55.55 % expected-goals share (Natural Stat Trick).
- The combined 33 goals through four games tie the third-highest total in a Final (1970 Islanders-Flyers series).
- Brett Howden set a Golden Knights record with his 14th postseason goal, surpassing Jonathan Marchessault’s 13-goal mark.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Brind’Amour explained the goaltending change: Andersen needed rest after a demanding postseason, and Bussi earned the start by “seizing the moment” whenever given an opportunity. Bussi expressed gratitude, noting he was “honored to have the opportunity” and excited to return to Raleigh. The Hurricanes emphasized that defensive lapses—particularly breakaways—must be addressed, as highlighted by forward Jordan Martinook’s pre-game warning.
Criticism & Opposition
Martinook warned, “We’ve given up a lot of breakaways… we need to shore up that side of the puck,” underscoring lingering defensive concerns despite the win. Golden Knights defenseman Rasmus Andersson added, “Just the fact that it’s happened, we’ve got to limit that, for sure,” reflecting frustration with repeated goal-giving stretches.
On-the-Ground Perspective
Local fans in Las Vegas and Raleigh celebrated the high-octane contest; viewership peaked at 6.55 million on NBC, a notable increase from previous Finals. Social-media reactions highlighted Staal’s historic performance and Bussi’s composure under pressure.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total goals scored through the first three games: one report cites 25 goals, while another records 33 combined goals after Game 4. No official clarification has been issued, leaving a minor statistical discrepancy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He's a big-time player. He leads us every day. He plays the right way and is rewarded.” — Brandon Bussi, Hurricanes goaltender
- “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
- “If you’re going to give him a break, you need to give him a break,” — Rod Brind’Amour, Hurricanes head coach
- “There’s a lot of emotion, lots of ups and downs.” — Jordan Staal, Hurricanes captain
- “Just the fact that it’s happened, we’ve got to limit that, for sure,” — Rasmus Andersson, Hurricanes defenseman
- “We need to flush it and get ready for our next game,” — John Tortorella, Golden Knights head coach
Looking Ahead
Game 5 returns to Raleigh’s Lenovo Center on Thursday, where the Hurricanes will seek to capitalize on home-ice advantage and potentially secure a series lead. The outcome will hinge on whether Bussi retains the starting role and if Carolina can tighten its defensive play against a resilient Golden Knights squad.
