Las Vegas — Veteran forward Jordan Staal delivered a standout performance, scoring twice—including the decisive third-period goal—as the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 5–3 in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday night, leveling the series at 2–2.
The win marked a major momentum shift in a tightly contested championship series between the Hurricanes and the defending-caliber Golden Knights.
Late Winner Seals Crucial Road Victory
Staal’s second goal came at 6:32 of the third period while he was sprawled on the ice, pushing Carolina ahead for good in a physical and fast-paced matchup.
The Hurricanes held on down the stretch to secure a crucial away victory and avoid falling behind in the series.
Game 5 is set for Thursday in Carolina, where the Hurricanes will look to capitalize on home-ice advantage in what could be a decisive stretch of the Finals.
Historic Scoring Streak in the Finals
Staal’s performance also placed him in rare historical company. He became only the ninth player in NHL history to score in each of the first four games of a Stanley Cup Final series, and the first in 44 years to accomplish the feat since Mike Bossy in 1982.
His consistency has been a defining storyline of the Finals, as both teams have traded leads and momentum throughout the series.
Hurricanes Spread the Scoring
Carolina’s offense was supported by multiple contributors, with Nikolaj Ehlers adding a goal and two assists, while Jackson Blake and Logan Stankoven also finding the back of the net.
Ehlers’ all-around performance helped extend Carolina’s lead late, including an empty-net goal that sealed the result.
Goaltender Brandon Bussi stepped in for rested starter Frederik Andersen and recorded 18 saves in a composed outing.
Golden Knights Fight Back but Fall Short
For Vegas, Mark Stone, William Karlsson, and Brett Howden each scored, keeping the game competitive until the final minutes.
Despite offensive pressure, the Golden Knights were unable to contain Carolina’s late push and now return to a best-of-three series scenario.
A High-Scoring, Unpredictable Series
Through four games, the Stanley Cup Final has been defined by rapid momentum swings and high scoring. Neither team has managed to maintain control for long stretches, with each side showing the ability to recover quickly from deficits.
Game 4 also marked the first one-goal margin that did not decide the outcome, underscoring the volatile nature of the matchup.
What Comes Next
With the series tied, both teams now shift focus to Game 5 in Carolina. The Hurricanes will aim to leverage home support, while the Golden Knights look to reclaim control and move within one win of the championship.
The Stanley Cup Final remains finely balanced, with both teams separated by little more than timely execution and defensive consistency.
