The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Golden Knights lead the best-of-seven series 1-0.
Carolina struck fast, with Nikolaj Ehlers scoring just 25 seconds into the first period. Ehlers added a second goal at 12:08 of the opening frame, giving the Hurricanes a 2-0 lead. Vegas responded with two goals of its own before the end of the first: Shea Theodore scored from the point at 14:12, and Ivan Barbashev tied the game at 2-2 just 30 seconds into the second period.
William Karlsson gave the Golden Knights their first lead at 4:35 of the second, 3-2. Jordan Staal equalized for Carolina at 12:42, tying the game 3-3. Brett Howden put Vegas back ahead 4-3 with a tip-in goal at 1:21 of the third period. Shayne Gostisbehere tied it again for the Hurricanes at 11:19 of the final frame. Tomas Hertl scored the game-winner at 16:21, with Colton Sissons providing the assist.
Carter Hart made 23 saves on 27 shots for the Golden Knights. According to the team, Vegas became the first road team in NHL history to come back from a multi-goal deficit to win Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Shea Theodore led the Golden Knights defensively, recording one goal and two assists. Brayden McNabb added three assists. Theodore and McNabb became the first defensive pair to each record a three-point night in Game 1 of a Stanley Cup Final.
Brett Howden scored his 11th goal of the playoffs, leading the NHL in that category. Jack Eichel collected an assist and has now recorded 50 playoff assists in 57 career postseason games, making him the fastest American-born player to reach that milestone in NHL history. Mitch Marner continues to lead the league with 22 postseason points.
Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Thursday, June 4, at 5 p.m. PST at Lenovo Center. The Golden Knights will return to T-Mobile Arena for Game 3 on Saturday, June 6, at 5 p.m. PST.