Tomas Hertl's Late Goal Propels Golden Knights Past Hurricanes in Stanley Cup Finals Game 1
The Vegas Golden Knights made NHL history on June 2, 2026, by staging a thrilling 5-4 comeback victory over the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center in Game 1 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final. Trailing 2-0 early in the first period, the Golden Knights became the first road team in NHL history to secure a multigoal comeback win in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Carolina's Nikolaj Ehlers ignited the home crowd by scoring just 25 seconds into the game—the third-fastest opening goal in Game 1 history—and adding a second goal at 12:08. However, Vegas quickly responded after a timeout from coach John Tortorella, tying the match and eventually taking the lead. Shea Theodore recorded a goal and two assists, Brayden McNabb added three assists, and netminder Carter Hart made 25 saves to anchor the Golden Knights.
With the game tied 4-4 late in the third period, Tomas Hertl delivered the game-winner with just 3:24 remaining off a give-and-go play with Colton Sissons, beating Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen blocker-side. The win marked a franchise-record seventh consecutive postseason victory for the Golden Knights.