The Carolina Hurricanes are now one win away from lifting the Stanley Cup after edging closer in the 2026 Final. They secured a 4-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5, delivering a strong performance in front of their home crowd at Raleigh’s Lenovo Center. It was their second home win of the series and a crucial one at that. With this result, Carolina moves ahead 3-2 in the series as it shifts back to Las Vegas for Game 6 on Monday morning (as per India time), keeping them firmly in control of the contest.
THREE DOWN, ONE TO GO!!! pic.twitter.com/AglU3vDMuE
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) June 12, 2026
How Did Hurricanes Beat Golden Knights 4-2 in Stanley Cup Final Game 5?
The Carolina Hurricanes moved a step closer to the Stanley Cup with a 4-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5, taking a 3-2 lead in the series. After falling behind early to a Pavel Dorofeyev goal, Carolina quickly regained control, delivering one of its strongest offensive displays of the Final while making the most of key opportunities throughout the night.
A major difference came on special teams, where Andrei Svechnikov struck twice on the power play. Sebastian Aho also ended his scoring drought, while captain Jordan Staal continued his red-hot form by finding the net for a fifth straight game. In goal, Brandon Bussi turned aside 22 of 24 shots and stood firm during Vegas’ late push, helping the Hurricanes protect their advantage after building a four-goal run before Dorofeyev’s second tally in the closing stages.
Andrei Svechnikov And Sebastian Aho Star as Carolina Hurricanes Take 3-2 Series Lead
Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho finally delivered the offensive breakthrough the Carolina Hurricanes had been waiting for, leading the team to a pivotal 4-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5. With the Stanley Cup within reach, Carolina’s star forwards rose to the occasion as Svechnikov struck twice on the power play. His first goal handed the Hurricanes the lead in the second period, while his second midway through the third created valuable breathing room.
Moments after Svechnikov’s go-ahead tally, Aho ended his scoring drought in the Final with a composed finish that extended Carolina’s advantage and shifted momentum firmly in the home side’s favor. The Hurricanes also received important contributions from the rest of the lineup. Nikolaj Ehlers played a key role in the attack, recording three assists to continue his productive postseason run. Meanwhile, captain Jordan Staal opened Carolina’s scoring and further etched his name into the record books, becoming the first NHL player since 1956 to score in five consecutive Stanley Cup Final games.
Together, the group delivered one of Carolina’s most complete performances of the series, putting the franchise just one win away from the championship. The victory gave the Carolina Hurricanes a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, making them only the second team in Stanley Cup Final history to score four or more goals in each of their first five games. The only other team to achieve that feat was the 1973 Montreal Canadiens.
Can Golden Knights Bounce Back in Game 6 to Force a Stanley Cup Final Decider?
On the Vegas Golden Knights’ side, Pavel Dorofeyev scored twice, including his first goals since the opening game of the Western Conference Final sweep over the Colorado Avalanche. However, Carter Hart endured another difficult outing, allowing four goals once again and continuing a rough trend throughout the series while finishing with 20 saves.
The Golden Knights had previously been in tied 2-2 series situations twice during these playoffs, against the Utah Hockey Club in the first round and the Anaheim Ducks in the second round, and they went on to win both Game 5s and close out those series in Game 6. This time, though, they face a tougher path, needing back-to-back wins to extend the series.
They will return home for Game 6 with the series on the line, trying to force a Game 7 back in Carolina. Vegas will also have to overcome momentum against a Hurricanes team that has not lost consecutive games since mid-January, while also dealing with uncertainty after William Karlsson left the game midway through with an apparent upper-body injury and did not return.
Why Was Erling Haaland Supporting Carolina Hurricanes During Stanley Cup Final?
Days before his World Cup debut, Manchester City forward Erling Haaland and several Norway teammates took a break from preparations to attend Game 5 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final in Raleigh. The group was spotted at the Lenovo Center, where they appeared on the arena’s big screen, smiling and waving to Carolina Hurricanes fans during the high-stakes matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Haaland was seen acknowledging the crowd as he and his teammates cheered on the action, even playfully spinning a Hurricanes rally towel handed out inside the arena. The game itself arrived with the series tied 2-2, adding extra intensity to a night already buzzing with celebrity presence and playoff energy.
Confirmed: @ErlingHaaland is now a huge @Canes fan 👀 #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/lZIpwNJHt0
— NHL (@NHL) June 12, 2026
The Norway striker is set to feature in his first World Cup, with his national team returning to the tournament for the first time since 1998, and their base camp located in Greensboro, not far from Raleigh.
