June 2 (UPI) — Lenova Center quivered with intensity as fans watched the visiting Vegas Golden Knights climb back from a 2-0 deficit to stun the Carolina Hurricanes in a frantic 2026 Stanley Cup Final opener Tuesday in Raleigh, N.C.
Czech forward Tomas Hertl scored what proved to be the game-winner with 3:24 remaining in the 5-4 triumph. Brayden McNabb assisted three Golden Knights goals. Fellow Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore logged a goal and two assists.
“We didn’t have the greatest start, but that’s kinda been our story all season,” Hertl said on the ABC broadcast. “We never give up. It doesn’t matter if we are up or down. We just keeping playing.”
Tuesday marked the first time in history that a Stanley Cup Final game featured goals within the first 30 seconds in each of the first two periods. The Hurricanes outshot the Golden Knights 27-23, but were outhit 35-26.
The Golden Knights extended a seven-game winning streak, while handing the Hurricanes just their second loss this postseason.
Hurricanes fans roared early on, as Carolina defenders protected home ice. Forward Nikolaj Ehlers gave them confidence when he scored off the game’s first shot, just 25 seconds into Game 1. He found the net a second time with 7:52 remaining in the frame, sliding a shot between the legs of Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart.
But the Golden Knights made adjustments, triggering a surge of three consecutive goals and taking control of the contest. Theodore started the outburst 88 seconds after the Hurricanes’ second goal. Jack Eichel fed fellow forward Ivan Barbashev to tie the game 30 seconds into the second period.
The surge continued when forward William Karlsson beat Hurricanes goalie Frederik Anderson for another score about four minutes later, giving the Golden Knights their first lead.
Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal brought the arena back to life when he lit the lamp for a game-tying score with 7:18 to go in the bridge frame.
The Golden Knights took the lead back when forward Brett Howden beat Anderson for yet another score 82 seconds into the third period. But the Hurricanes pushed back about 10 minutes later when defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere tied the score for a third time.
Hertl proceeded to whip his wrist shot past Anderson for the go-ahead score about five minutes later. The Golden Knights defense stood tall over the final minutes, denying several close chances to secure the road victory.
Hart totaled 23 saves in the win. Howden logged a goal and an assist. Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield registered two assists in the loss.
The Hurricanes (0-1) will host the Golden Knights (1-0) in Game 2 of the best-of-seven game series at 8 p.m. EDT Thursday in Raleigh. Game 3 will be Saturday in Las Vegas.