Hurricanes Even Series Against Vegas as Staal’s Historic Run Continues

There’s been a lot of firsts going on in this year’s Stanley Cup Finals, marking the first time in history that the first four games had a team up by multiple scores – and saw that lead erased each time. Though the Vegas Golden Knights were able to erase that deficit in Game 4, they ultimately couldn’t get over the hump as the Carolina Hurricanes won 5-3 and evened up the series 2-2 as it now heads back to Raleigh for a pivotal Game 5.

The MVP was undoubtedly Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal, whose go-ahead goal sealed the win as he makes Stanley Cup history. Staal has five goals now through four games, the first player to do so since Mario Lemieux’s four-game sweep in 1992. He is also the first captain to score in each of the first four Finals games, and the first since Mike Bossy in 1982 to simply accomplish the feat.

Staal is also the third-oldest player with a multigoal Finals game, according to ESPN Research. His seven playoff goals in total have kept Carolina poised to make a real run at this year’s Cup, as his teammates continue to prop him up for his all-around style of play that makes an impact on offense, defense, faceoffs, and special teams.

To read more about Staal’s dominance, here is the full story from Carolina Hurricanes on Hockey News writer Ryan Henkel.

It was just as much about missed opportunities for Vegas as well, despite trailing by two goals twice in the matchup. They clawed back in the second period to end the period tied 3-3 but let things slip away in the final moments of regulation.

To read more about those mishaps for Vegas and what must change in Game 5, here is the full story from Vegas Golden Knights Hockey News writer Hannah Kirkell.

The Canes will now head back with home-ice advantage and momentum with the series evened up 2-2 all, and things essentially turn into a best-of-three once Game 5 kicks off on Thursday in North Carolina. It’s been a chaotic and unpredictable one for the books, but Staal has been steady.