sports
Carolina Hurricanes win second Stanley Cup, beating Vegas Golden Knights in 6 games
Updated on: June 15, 2026 / 12:02 AM EDT / AP
TL;DR
- The Carolina Hurricanes won their first Stanley Cup in 20 years by defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in six games.
- A suffocating defense was key for the Hurricanes, particularly in the final two games, limiting the Golden Knights to five total goals in Games 4 and 5.
- Brandon Bussi recorded his first career playoff shutout in the clinching Game 6, making 22 saves.
- Jordan Staal was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP, having scored in each of the first five Cup Final games.
- Coach Rod Brind'Amour, who also captained the team to their 2006 title, led the Hurricanes to this championship.
- The Golden Knights struggled offensively in Game 6, going over 18 minutes between shots on goal in the second and third periods.
- Carolina showed resilience throughout the series, notably overcoming a 4-0 deficit in Game 3 to force overtime, which served as a turning point.