Hurricanes host Golden Knights in Stanley Cup Final Game 5 as series tied 2-2
Rookie goaltender Brandon Bussi starts for the Hurricanes, while Vegas faces continued pressure on veteran Carter Hart amid a high-scoring final.
The Carolina Hurricanes will host the Vegas Golden Knights for Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday, with the series level at 2-2. The matchup follows Carolina’s 5-3 road victory in Game 4, a result that shifted momentum back to the home side and sets the stage for a potential clinching game in Raleigh.
Carolina’s decision to start rookie goaltender Brandon Bussi in Game 4 has been upheld for this contest. Bussi replaced Frederik Andersen, who was left as a healthy scratch, and delivered a strong performance by stopping 18 of 21 shots, including all nine in the third period. The move was executed by Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour, who has indicated he remains non-committal about Andersen’s status but is expected to stick with the rookie.
Vegas faces significant challenges in net, with goaltender Carter Hart conceding at least four goals in each of the first four games of the series. This marks the first time in NHL history that a netminder has allowed four or more goals in each of the first four Stanley Cup Final games. Despite a 3.60 goals-against average and an .861 save percentage, Hart remains the starter, though the pressure is mounting.
The series has been defined by high scoring and dramatic comebacks. All four games have featured a team rallying from a multi-goal deficit to at least tie the contest, a unique occurrence in Final history. The 33 total goals scored through the first four games are tied for the second-highest total in the first four games of a Final.
Key performances have shaped the series narrative. Carolina’s Jordan Staal scored two goals in Game 4, including the empty-net winner, and at 37 years and 272 days old, became the third-oldest player to record a multi-goal game in the Stanley Cup Final. In Vegas, forward Mitchell Marner remains the Conn Smythe Trophy favourite in betting markets, leading the postseason with 29 points.
Vegas has dominated the second periods, outscoring Carolina 9-1 across the first four games. However, the Golden Knights have been outscored 16-7 in first, third, and overtime periods combined. Carolina has stolen home-ice advantage and is favoured to close out the series, with the potential for Game 6 on Sunday or a decisive Game 7 in Raleigh the following Wednesday.
