Tomas Hertl Lifts Golden Knights 5-4 Past Hurricanes In Stanley Cup Opener/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Vegas Golden Knights erased an early two-goal deficit and defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Tomas Hertl scored the game-winning goal with 3:24 remaining in regulation to give Vegas its seventh straight playoff victory. The win hands the Golden Knights home-ice advantage in the best-of-seven championship series.
Tomas Hertl Stanley Cup Final Quick Looks
- Vegas defeated Carolina 5-4 in Game 1.
- Tomas Hertl scored the game-winner late in the third period.
- Carolina jumped out to a 2-0 lead early.
- Vegas rallied with three consecutive goals.
- William Karlsson, Shea Theodore, Ivan Barbashev and Brett Howden also scored.
- Brett Howden recorded his playoff-leading 11th goal.
- Carter Hart made 23 saves for Vegas.
- Nikolaj Ehlers scored twice for Carolina.
- Vegas extended its playoff winning streak to seven games.
- Game 2 is set for Thursday in Raleigh.
Deep Look
Golden Knights Overcome Early Deficit To Take Game 1
RALEIGH, N.C. — The Vegas Golden Knights continued their remarkable postseason run Tuesday night, overcoming an early two-goal deficit to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 in a thrilling Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Vegas found itself behind almost immediately after the opening puck drop. Just 25 seconds into the contest, Carolina forward Nikolaj Ehlers scored on the game’s first shot, energizing a packed home crowd eager to witness the Hurricanes’ first Stanley Cup Final appearance in two decades.
The Hurricanes doubled their lead later in the opening period when Ehlers struck again on a breakaway, putting Vegas in an early hole.
But the Golden Knights, who have built a reputation for resilience throughout the playoffs, never panicked.
“I’ve said it all through the playoffs: it’s a find-a-way league,” Vegas coach John Tortorella said. “We found a way tonight.”
Hertl Delivers The Decisive Blow
The game remained tied at 4-4 late in the third period before Tomas Hertl delivered the biggest goal of the night.
With 3:24 remaining, Colton Sissons fed a backhand pass from the right faceoff circle into the slot, where Hertl beat Frederik Andersen to give Vegas a 5-4 lead.
The goal completed another comeback for a Golden Knights team that has consistently found ways to win under pressure during this postseason.
Vegas has now won seven consecutive playoff games, including a stunning sweep of the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Final.
Vegas Keeps Believing
The Golden Knights have repeatedly demonstrated confidence regardless of the scoreboard.
Earlier in the playoffs, Vegas rallied from a 3-0 deficit against Colorado to win Game 3. Tuesday’s comeback against Carolina followed a similar script.
William Karlsson, who helped spark the turnaround, emphasized the team’s belief.
“It was a terrible start,” said center William Karlsson, who capped a run of three straight goals that pushed Vegas to a 3-2 second-period lead. “Just like it was against Colorado, a lot of time left. We always believe.”
A key turning point came when Tortorella gathered his players during a television timeout after Carolina’s fast start.
The message was simple: remain patient and stick to the game plan.
Balanced Offensive Attack Leads Vegas
Several Golden Knights contributed offensively throughout the night.
Goals came from:
- Shea Theodore
- Ivan Barbashev
- William Karlsson
- Brett Howden
- Tomas Hertl
Howden’s score just 1:21 into the third period gave Vegas a brief 4-3 lead and marked his playoff-leading 11th goal.
Defenseman Brayden McNabb also played a crucial role, contributing three assists.
“Just stick with the program, on our game plan, and not get impatient,” said defenseman Brayden McNabb. “They pressure a lot and we want to keep the puck going north, and limit east-west plays.”
Hurricanes Show Offensive Firepower
Despite the loss, Carolina displayed the speed and offensive depth that helped carry the team through the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Ehlers’ two goals set the tone early.
Team captain Jordan Staal and defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere also found the net.
Gostisbehere’s third-period goal tied the game at 4-4 and appeared poised to send the contest toward overtime before Hertl’s winner.
Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour acknowledged the challenge presented by Vegas.
“We’ve got to get up to speed on how this game and this series is going to go. I think we certainly got a taste of that now.”
Goalies Face Relentless Pressure
The Stanley Cup Final opener featured considerably more offense than many expected.
Both clubs entered the series known for strong defensive play and outstanding goaltending.
Vegas netminder Carter Hart stopped 23 shots, including a critical save on Seth Jarvis moments before Hertl’s game-winning goal.
Frederik Andersen recorded 18 saves for Carolina but faced constant pressure as Vegas controlled extended stretches of play.
A Different Kind Of Stanley Cup Battle
Defense had been the hallmark of both teams throughout the postseason.
Carolina had allowed two goals or fewer in 12 of its first 13 playoff games.
Vegas had limited Colorado to just seven goals during its stunning four-game sweep.
Yet Game 1 evolved into a fast-paced, back-and-forth offensive showcase that highlighted the skill and depth on both rosters.
Momentum shifted repeatedly before Vegas ultimately emerged on top.
Golden Knights Seize Home-Ice Advantage
By winning Game 1 on the road, the Golden Knights immediately stole home-ice advantage from the Hurricanes.
The victory puts additional pressure on Carolina entering Game 2.
Tortorella made it clear his team is not satisfied with a split.
“Momentum swings happen quickly,” Tortorella said. “We want to keep the momentum on our side, so there’s no question we’re looking to get two.”
With Vegas carrying a seven-game winning streak and Carolina searching for answers after surrendering a late lead, Game 2 now becomes a pivotal early moment in the Stanley Cup Final.
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