Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes Goal Scorers, Highlights and Recap from NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 1

Game 1 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final was a hard-fought battle, as the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Carolina Hurricanes by the final score of 5-4 on Tuesday night.

With the score tied 4-4 late in the third period, Colton Sissons set up Tomas Hertl for the Golden Knights' game-winning goal.

Carolina didn't waste time getting on the board to open the contest, as Nikolaj Ehlers scored just 25 seconds into the first period.

Ehlers wasn't finished, either. His backhand on the breakaway gave the Hurricanes a 2-0 lead with just under eight minutes left in the first.

The Golden Knights finally responded before the period came to a close, as a point shot from Shea Theodore bounced off Eric Robinson's leg and ended up in the goal.

Vegas tied the game at 2-2 near the beginning of the second period, with Ivan Barbashev scoring off a slick feed from Jack Eichel.

The Golden Knights continued to build momentum, taking their first lead of the game roughly four minutes later due to a goal from William Karlsson.

While Carolina struggled offensively throughout the start of the second period, they tied the contest at 3-3 after Jordan Staal capitalized on a turnover by Noah Hanifin.

The score was still tied at the beginning of the third period, but the Golden Knights jumped in front once again due to Brett Howden's tip-in.

Still, the Hurricanes tied the contest at 4-4 midway through the third. After Shayne Gostisbehere received the puck off a turnover after a face-off, he found the back of the net.

Hertl's goal ultimately gave the Golden Knights the victory and a 1-0 series lead, though.

Vegas has now won seven consecutive playoff games.