Samwise NHL & Hockey Newsletter
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Staal scores two, Hurricanes top Golden Knights 5-3 to even Stanley Cup Final at 2-2
Jordan Staal scored two goals, including the go-ahead marker at 6:32 of the third period, as the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 5-3 in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The best-of-seven series is tied 2-2. Game 5 is Thursday at 8 p.m. ET at Lenovo Center in Raleigh. Nikolaj Ehlers posted three points on a goal and two assists. Jackson Blake had a goal and an assist, and Logan Stankoven also scored for Carolina. William Karlsson, Mark Stone, and Brett Howden scored for the Golden Knights. Brandon Bussi made his first career start in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Sources: ClutchPoints
Jordan Staal becomes first player in 43 years to score in each of first four Cup Final games
Jordan Staal is the first player in 43 years to score a goal in each of the first four games of a Stanley Cup Final. The Carolina Hurricanes captain accomplished the feat in Game 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday at T-Mobile Arena, joining Mike Bossy with the New York Islanders in 1982, Steve Payne with the Minnesota North Stars in 1981, and Johnny Bucyk with the Boston Bruins in 1970. Staal recorded two goals in Tuesday’s 5-3 victory, including the go-ahead score in the third period, and now has five goals total in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.
Sources: ClutchPoints
Backup Bussi backstops Hurricanes to Game 4 win in first career playoff start
Brandon Bussi made 17 saves in his first career start in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, helping the Carolina Hurricanes to a 5-3 Game 4 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday. The 27-year-old netminder was claimed off waivers from the Florida Panthers on October 5 and had never previously started a playoff game. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour said the decision to start Bussi took about a minute in conversation with goalie coach Paul Schonfelder. Brind’Amour has not announced his starter for Game 5 on Thursday at Lenovo Center in Raleigh.
Sources: NHL.com
Brind’Amour confirms Andersen given rest day for Game 4, Game 5 starter still undecided
Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour confirmed Tuesday that goaltender Frederik Andersen sat out Game 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights due to fatigue, not injury. “In conversation with our goalie coach, Andersen needed a break,” Brind’Amour said after Carolina’s 5-3 win at T-Mobile Arena. “To give him the break, he needed the full night off.” Backup Brandon Bussi started in Andersen’s place. Brind’Amour declined to name his starter for Game 5 on Thursday at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, saying the decision would be made the morning of or the day before the game.
Sources: ClutchPoints
Golden Knights carry road confidence into pivotal Game 5 of Stanley Cup Final in Raleigh
Game 5 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final takes place Thursday at 8 p.m. ET at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, with the series between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights tied 2-2. Vegas won Games 1 and 3 in Las Vegas, while Carolina claimed both games played at Lenovo Center. The Golden Knights are noted for their road success heading into Thursday’s contest. Should Vegas win, Game 6 returns to T-Mobile Arena on Saturday with the Stanley Cup in the building for a potential presentation. Should Carolina win, Game 7 would be scheduled for Las Vegas on Monday.
Sources: NHL.com
Maple Leafs tell Gavin McKenna he will be the first overall pick at June 26 draft in Buffalo
The Toronto Maple Leafs told top prospect Gavin McKenna he will be selected first overall at the 2026 NHL Draft on June 26 in Buffalo, New York, according to a report published by Heavy.com. The Leafs conveyed the decision to McKenna at the NHL Scouting Combine. McKenna has been the consensus top prospect in this draft class throughout the season. The announcement removes the remaining uncertainty around the top selection. Toronto holds the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, which is scheduled to begin June 26 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
Sources: Heavy.com
Stanley Cup Playoffs
Eastern Conference
FIRST ROUND
Hurricanes vs. Senators — Carolina wins 4–0
Flyers vs. Penguins — Philadelphia wins 4–0
Canadiens vs. Lightning — Montreal wins 4–1
Sabres vs. Bruins — Buffalo wins 4–2
SECOND ROUND
Hurricanes vs. Flyers — Carolina wins 4–0
Canadiens vs. Sabres — Montreal wins 4–3
CONFERENCE FINAL
Hurricanes vs. Canadiens — Carolina wins 4–1
Western Conference
FIRST ROUND
Golden Knights vs. Utah Mammoth — Vegas wins 4–2
Avalanche vs. Kings — Colorado wins 4–0
Ducks vs. Oilers — Anaheim wins 4–2
Wild vs. Stars — Minnesota wins 4–2
SECOND ROUND
Golden Knights vs. Ducks — Vegas wins 4–2
Avalanche vs. Wild — Colorado wins 4–1
CONFERENCE FINAL
Golden Knights vs. Avalanche — Vegas wins 4–0
Stanley Cup Final
Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes — Series tied 2–2 — Game 5 tonight, 8 p.m. ET, Lenovo Center, Raleigh
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.