2026 NHL Playoffs / Stanley Cup  Update

The 2026 Stanley Cup Final is underway between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes.

Series Status

Vegas leads the series 1–0

Game 1 Result (June 2)

Vegas Golden Knights 5 – Carolina Hurricanes 4

• Vegas rallied after falling behind 2–0 early.
• Tomas Hertl scored the game-winning goal late in the third period.
• Shea Theodore had a strong night with a goal and multiple points.
• Nikolaj Ehlers scored twice for Carolina.

Upcoming

Game 2: Thursday night in Raleigh, North Carolina. Vegas has stolen home-ice advantage and Carolina will be looking to even the series before it shifts west.

Key Storyline

Carolina entered the Final after a dominant playoff run, while Vegas continues its strong postseason under coach John Tortorella. Historically, teams that win Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final go on to win the Cup more often than not, giving Vegas an early edge.