RALEIGH, N.C. – The Carolina Hurricanes took a 3-2 series lead Thursday night, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final. Andrei Svechnikov scored two power-play goals. Sebastian Aho and Jordan Staal also found the net.
The win puts Carolina one victory away from its first championship since 2006. Game 6 is scheduled for Saturday in Las Vegas.
Staal’s Impact and the Canes’ Power Play
Jordan Staal, the veteran center and captain, scored early in the third period, extending the Hurricanes’ lead to 4-2. It was his third goal of the playoffs. The 37-year-old has been a defensive anchor throughout the run.
Carolina’s power play, a weakness earlier in the series, converted twice. Svechnikov’s two goals came with the man advantage, a critical adjustment after going 0-for-6 in Game 4.
“Everybody’s available,” head coach Rod Brind’Amour said of his goaltending situation, declining to confirm a starter for Game 6. Pyotr Kochetkov stopped 23 of 25 shots in Game 5.
Karlsson Injury Clouds Vegas’ Outlook
Vegas forward William Karlsson left Game 5 in the second period. He was favoring his left arm or wrist following a hit from Hurricanes defenseman Walker. Karlsson did not return for the third period.
His status for Game 6 is unclear. Karlsson has 8 points in 19 playoff games this spring. Losing him would be a significant blow to a Golden Knights lineup already missing captain Mark Stone (upper body).
John Tortorella, a former head coach now working as an NHL analyst, noted on the broadcast that the Hurricanes’ physicality was “overwhelming” in the second period. Vegas had no response.
When is Game 5? It’s Already Over.
For those asking when is game 5 or searching for canes game tonight, the answer is simple: it’s done. The Hurricanes now hold a commanding series lead. The nhl finals shift back to T-Mobile Arena for Game 6.
Vegas has not lost three consecutive games all postseason. That stat now faces its ultimate test.
