If you wish to persuade somebody in your life to turn out to be an NHL fan, present them the 2026 Stanley Cup Ultimate between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights.
Like each different sport within the collection, Sport 4 in Vegas on Tuesday night time was a barn-burner. The Hurricanes received 5-3, night the collection at 2-2.
With that in thoughts, let’s check out three winners and losers from Sport 4.
Winners
Hurricanes middle Jordan Staal
Staal described Carolina’s 5-4 double-overtime loss to Vegas in Sport 3 as a “kick in the you-know-what.” He responded by kicking loads of you-know-what in Sport 4.
Staal scored two objectives in Tuesday’s matchup, together with one which broke a 3-3 tie 6:32 into the third interval. It is extra spectacular when you think about he did so whereas falling onto the ice.
Staal, 37, could also be one of many older gamers within the collection, however that hasn’t prevented him from being one of many largest difference-makers. Getting into Tuesday night time, he had scored three objectives in three video games within the collection.
If he can preserve offering a kick in Sport 5 in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Thursday (ABC, 8 p.m. ET), that can assist the Hurricanes proceed to realize the momentum they should win the collection.
Hurricanes left winger Nikolaj Ehlers
Staal was the X-factor on Tuesday, however let’s not overlook Ehlers’ contributions. He logged three factors (one purpose and two assists) on Tuesday night time. The ahead scored an empty-netter 19:05 into the third interval.
That efficiency should not shock Hurricanes followers, as he is been one of many crew’s most dependable gamers all through the postseason. He now ranks fourth on the crew in playoff factors (seven objectives and 7 assists for 14 factors).
Ehlers left the Winnipeg Jets in free company this offseason to play for Stanley Cups. The Western Convention squad must regret letting him stroll after watching him shine all through the playoffs.
Hockey followers
Let’s take a second to understand this Stanley Cup Ultimate, which is able to go down as one of the thrilling in league historical past when it concludes.
By way of 4 video games, the Hurricanes and Golden Knights have mixed for 33 objectives. Per Josh Dubow of the Related Press, that mark is tied for No. 3 in Stanley Cup Ultimate historical past.
Based on the NHL’s web site, the Montreal Canadiens and Chicago Blackhawks combined for a record 56 objectives throughout the 1973 Stanley Cup Ultimate. Will the Hurricanes and Golden Knights surpass that determine? If the collection goes seven video games, which it simply might, they need to have a shot at doing so.
Losers
Golden Knights proper winger Mitch Marner
Marner was criticized all through his nine-year tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs for failing to step up within the playoffs. These troubles got here again to hang-out him in Sport 4.
Marner logged one help however scored no objectives and posted a minus-one in 23:58 on the ice. The ahead might have been gassed after logging a hat trick in Sport 3. He is had the perfect postseason of his profession, tallying 10 objectives in his first 19 video games.
Monitor whether or not Marner bounces again in Sport 5. He should achieve this to erase the narrative that he wilts within the massive moments and to win the Conn Smythe Trophy (MVP of the Stanley Cup Playoffs).
Golden Knights’ puck dealing with
Vegas, after all, has seemed glorious all through the collection, however one key concern stays: Its puck dealing with. The Golden Knights dedicated 23 giveaways in Sport 4, whereas the Hurricanes had 15.
Per StatMuse, the Golden Knights have now averaged 19.5 giveaways per sport within the Stanley Cup. That is a regarding quantity for a squad that is already one of many sloppiest within the league. Vegas dedicated 1,292 giveaways throughout the common season, No. 7 within the NHL.
They have to clear up this downside quick to rebound in Sport 5 and win the collection.
Hurricanes goalie change
Sure, the Hurricanes received on Tuesday, however let’s not faux replacing goalie Frederik Andersen with rookie Brandon Bussi was a rousing success.
Bussi saved 18-of-21 photographs (.857 save share, beneath common) on Tuesday night time. That is a greater save share than Andersen had in Sport 3 (.750), however not one that ought to have Carolina believing he’ll shut down Vegas for the rest of the collection.
Sport 5 will current one other large take a look at for the rookie goalie. He might have fewer jitters and play higher than he did Tuesday. However given his postseason expertise, it is unsure he’ll.
