Hertl’s Late Winner Lifts Golden Knights Past Hurricanes in Thrilling Stanley Cup Final Opener

Tomas Hertl scored the go-ahead goal late in the third period as the Vegas Golden Knights edged the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday in Raleigh, North Carolina. The win gave Vegas an early lead in the best-of-seven series, with Game 2 set for Thursday in Raleigh.

The opener was a fast, back-and-forth contest that featured multiple lead changes and two early surges by Carolina. Nikolaj Ehlers scored just 25 seconds into the game, the third-fastest goal to start a Stanley Cup Final, and added a second goal later in the first period to put the Hurricanes ahead 2-0. But Vegas answered quickly and steadily, turning the game around with three straight goals.

Shea Theodore started the comeback with a long shot that deflected in to cut the deficit after Ehlers’ second goal. Ivan Barbashev tied the game early in the second period with a top-corner shot, and William Karlsson put the Golden Knights in front 3-2 later in the period by finishing at the doorstep. Carolina responded before the second intermission when Jordan Staal capitalized on a turnover and tied the game 3-3.

Vegas regained the lead early in the third period when Brett Howden redirected a Theodore shot-pass into the net. The Hurricanes, however, again found an answer. Shayne Gostisbehere scored from the left faceoff circle to even the game 4-4 with less than nine minutes remaining, setting up a tense final stretch with overtime appearing likely.

Instead, Hertl delivered the decisive moment with 3:24 left in regulation. After a give-and-go with Colton Sissons, Hertl received the puck in the slot and lifted a shot into the top corner to put Vegas ahead for good. The goal completed another comeback for the Golden Knights and sent the Hurricanes into Game 2 needing a response before the series shifts to Las Vegas.

Theodore finished with a goal and three points, while Howden added a goal and an assist. Barbashev and Karlsson also scored for Vegas. Goaltender Carter Hart made 23 saves, and Brayden McNabb contributed a playoff career-high three assists.

For Carolina, Ehlers led the offense with two goals. Staal and Gostisbehere also scored, while Jalen Chatfield had two assists. Frederik Andersen stopped 18 shots in the loss.

The Golden Knights, who won despite trailing 2-0 early, now hold the crucial Game 1 advantage. Historically, the team that wins the opener of the Stanley Cup Final captures the championship more than three-quarters of the time, adding extra weight to Vegas’ comeback victory.