Carolina Hurricanes took a 4-2 lead in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday. Andrei Svechnikov delivered two power-play goals. Sebastian Aho added another.
Jordan Staal also scored. The veteran center, a key figure in the Hurricanes’ penalty kill and faceoff circle, was a physical force all night. Game 5 is scheduled for Thursday, June 11, at PNC Arena in Raleigh.
When is Game 5? It’s tonight. The Canes game tonight is a must-win for Carolina, trailing 3-1 in the series.
But the biggest story? Golden Knights forward William Karlsson left in the second period. He was favoring his left arm or wrist after a hit from Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield. Karlsson did not return for the third period. The team listed him as questionable with an upper-body injury.
John Tortorella, the veteran coach known for his blunt assessments, is not involved in this series. But his name surfaced in pre-game chatter as a potential candidate for a future coaching vacancy. No confirmation.
The NHL finals series now shifts back to Vegas for Game 6. The Golden Knights lead 3-2 after a late surge in Game 5’s third period. The Hurricanes lost their edge.
Karlsson’s status is the key variable. Without him, Vegas’s second line loses its primary playmaker. The Hurricanes capitalized on power plays, but even strength remained a struggle.
Game 6 is scheduled for Saturday. The Golden Knights can clinch at home. The Hurricanes need a win to force a Game 7.
Staal, meanwhile, logged over 18 minutes of ice time. He won 12 of 19 faceoffs. His line matched up against Vegas’s top unit and held them scoreless at even strength for most of the second period.
That was the difference. Until Karlsson got hurt.
Now, the series hinges on a medical report. And that’s all there is to say.
