Category: NHL

The team captain gets to lift the Stanley Cup and the biggest question is which teammate gets it second.

The answer after the Carolina Hurricanes' clinching 3-0 victory against the Vegas Golden Knights: Captain and playoff MVP Jordan Staal handed it to goalie Frederik Andersen.

"I did not expect that," Andersen told ABC.

Andersen didn't play - or dress - in the last three games as Brandon Bussi started and excelled for three consecutive wins. But the Hurricanes would not have reached the final without the play of Andersen, who went 12-1, with a 1.44 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage in the first three rounds.

"He's the reason we're here," Bussi told ABC. "He's a workhouse. I only got 3 1/2 games. He obviously deserves more of the credit. He's worked so hard for this and grinded so long."

FREDDIE ANDERSEN GETS THE CUP SECOND 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/nYOfZNhOp0

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 15, 2026

Andersen, in his fifth season in Carolina, clinched a trip to the final with a Game 5 win against the Montreal Canadiens soon after the death of Claude Lemieux, his longtime agent.

Both Andersen and Vegas' Carter Hart had a tougher time in the final than in earlier rounds. Bussi went into the net in Game 3 with the Hurricanes trailing 4-0 in an eventual 5-4 double-overtime loss.

Coach Rod Brind'Amour told ABC on Sunday that Andersen was "a little nicked up" and "not 100 percent."

"I so proud of the team we have here," said Andersen, who has battled injuries in his 13-year NHL career. "It's shown throughout many years, but this year specifically. There's been so many guys stepping up at certain times and it just really shows how good of a team we've been."

One of those stepping up was Bussl.

The Hurricanes also used two goalies in their 2006 run as Cam Ward replaced Martin Gerber in the first round. Bussi's arrival happened later.

His arrival to the league also happened later as he picked up 31 wins at age 27 in 2025-26 when the Hurricanes gave him a chance at his first NHL action.

Bussi, now a household name, hugged Andersen and also Brind'Amour after the clinching shutout win.

"He believed in me," he said of Brind'Amour. "He gave me that shot. I'll always be forever grateful."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jordan Staal hands Stanley Cup to Frederik Andersen: Here's why

Rod Brind’Amour is made for the playoffs. The Carolina Hurricanes coach made his NHL debut in the postseason in 1989, filling in for the St Louis Blues in a game against the Minnesota North Stars. He scored on his first shot. Still, it took him 17 seasons in the NHL before he hoisted the Stanley Cup in 2006 as captain of the Carolina Hurricanes, the team he has now led to another Cup win as head coach. “The fear of losing motivates you a lot of times,” he told reporters after that 2006 Cup win.

Wherever the motivation came from this year, the result is the same. The Hurricanes beat the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in Game 6 on Sunday to win the Stanley Cup for the second time in franchise history, exactly 20 years since they did it last.

Back in 2006, the Hurricanes were a semi-surprise entrant into the Final, having failed to qualify for the playoffs in each of the two seasons preceding the 2004-05 lockout (their prior trip to the postseason, in 2001-02, took them to the Final, which they lost to Detroit in five games). The history of the 2026 Hurricanes was different. Carolina’s Metropolitan division is a weird one, with the teams’ geographic proximity typically reflected in the tight standings. Season to season it’s difficult to predict exactly who will make the postseason (other than maybe Columbus). It’s a knife fight every time.

Except for the Hurricanes. In recent years, they’ve floated above the gyre but simultaneously drawn skepticism about whether they are actually any good, or just good versus the Metro. It was an earned reputation, as they lost in the Eastern finals in 2019, 2023, and 2025. The Hurricanes seemed to have enough gas to dominate the Metro and squeeze through a couple of postseason rounds, but that was where it always ended. What made 2026 different was then maybe not the fear of losing – how could they be? Part of what changed for the 2026 Hurricanes was a decision one of the Vegas Golden Knights made in the spring of 2025.

It’s weird to call Mitch Marner a breakout star of the playoffs since he’s been in the NHL for a decade, but that is essentially what he was. In this, his first season with Vegas, Marner posted 10 goals and 19 assists in the playoffs. His next closest total playoff point tally was 14 in 2023 when the Toronto Maple Leafs lost to the Florida Panthers in the second round. Last spring, the Leafs offered to trade Marner to Carolina, but he declined. Missing out on Marner, Carolina pivoted and sent Mikko Rantanen to Dallas for Logan Stankoven. In the process, Carolina banked picks and cap space and ultimately secured Nikolaj Ehlers from Winnipeg. As good as Marner was for Vegas, he didn’t quite outdo Stankoven and Ehlers, who combined for 15 and 17 points respectively, giving Carolina more offensive depth than they had before. On Sunday night in Vegas, Stankoven’s line gave Carolina the 2-0 lead and the insurance they ultimately needed to win.

But that the Hurricanes of all teams might be taken seriously at all by someone like Marner – an offensive talent with options – would have been a surprise to most people who saw the team land in Raleigh in 1997. One of the few remaining World Hockey Association franchises, the Hartford Whalers left Connecticut in 1997 after plummeting revenues and a dispute with the local government over a stadium (a familiar NHL tale). As with other moves to infiltrate the Southern US markets, many saw the relocation as a major gamble, made riskier by the fact that North Carolina’s affinity for college basketball all but ruled out, it was assumed, much room for too many other sports.

Sure enough, when the Hurricanes hit the ice in North Carolina, it was to a half-empty Greensboro Coliseum, which was a 90-minute drive from Raleigh, making the Hurricanes first season “one long, strange 82-game road trip,” as Sports Illustrated put it at the time. The Hurricanes “are like some down-on-its-luck country band playing in front of small crowds, in a small city, with no home and no hope.” The team’s name was the only thing about it that made sense, the magazine continued, “because thus far the NHL’s incursion into tobacco country has been a natural disaster.”

Brind’Amour changed that. The Hurricanes had been looking at Brind’Amour for a while – his name was floated as early as October 1997 as a possible trade for goalie Sean Burke, even as he had another two-and-a-half years in Philadelphia as a Flyer. Brind’Amour’s first few months with the Hurricanes were rocky, but he gradually became a fit. And post-lockout, he brought a renewed sense of purpose to his game. “I’ve been fortunate, so I’ve never taken a day for granted in this league,” Brind’Amour said back in 2006. At 35, he likely knew then that the window to win a Cup was closing, compounded by the lockout. “That has been the approach I’ve always had … We’re pretty fortunate to play this game for a living and we all know the importance of it.”

This year, it was captain Jordan Staal who hoisted the Cup first for the Hurricanes. Staal, 37, has been with the organization since 2012 and his relationship with Brind’Amour is credited as key to Carolina’s ongoing success. Staal had the best postseason of his career this spring, notching eight goals and four assists – good enough to earn him the Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP. In a post-game interview, Staal coincidentally [or maybe not] echoed Brind’Amour’s sentiment from 20 years ago. “Good time to get hot, eh?” he said when asked to explain how to account for his playoff performance. “I just wanted to win. I just wanted to win so bad.”

Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal tied an NHL playoff record when he scored in each of the first five games of the Stanley Cup Final.

That led to him winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP after the Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in a near-perfect Game 6 on Sunday, June 14. Carolina won the series 4-2 for their first Stanley Cup championship since 2006.

At age 37, Staal became the oldest player in NHL history to win the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Beyond the goal streak and the record, Staal was a defensive stalwart in the playoffs, shutting down Vegas star Jack Eichel among others.

Staal's streak, which ended in Game 6, tied him with Hall of Famers Yyan Cournoyer, Jean Beliveau, Maurice "Rocket" Richard and Fred "Cyclone" Taylor.

Staal picked up the second Stanley Cup title in his career. He also won with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009, setting the mark for longest stretch between championships at 17 years. The previous mark of 16 years was held by Chris Chelios (1986 to 2002).

He got to lift the Stanley Cup first this time as Hurricanes captain. He handed off to Frederik Andersen, who helped the Hurricanes reach the final with stellar play in the first three rounds.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jordan Staal wins Conn Smythe Trophy after Hurricanes win Stanley Cup

Former Calgary Flames first-round pick Mark Jankowski is now a Stanley Cup champion, winning the game's grandest prize with the Carolina Hurricanes. On Sunday night, the visiting Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in six games, winning the finale 3-0.

Jankowski played four seasons with Calgary, making his NHL debut at 22 in 2016-17. Moreover, his first NHL goal came on a pass from the legendary Jaromir Jagr. Eventually, he left the club via free agency, signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

After that one season in Pittsburgh, Jankowski took turns with the Buffalo Sabres and Nashville Predators before settling in with the Hurricanes in 2024-25. 

During the 2025-26 season, he played 68 games with 11 goals and 21 points. In Carolina's run to the championship, he tallied one goal with four assists in 19 playoff games. Through 10 seasons in the NHL, Jankowski has 79 goals and 145 points in 482 career games.

Meanwhile, Jankowski beat two of his former Calgary teammates, Rasmus Andersson and Noah Hanifin, who were members of the Golden Knights. 

Seth Jarvis is a Stanley Cup champion.

The Winnipeg product completed a lifelong dream on Sunday night, helping lead the Carolina Hurricanes to the top of the hockey world with a four-games-to-two Stanley Cup Final victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday.

Game Six concluded by way of a 3-0 final for Carolina on the road.

For the 24-year-old forward, the championship marks the crowning achievement of what has already become one of Manitoba’s most impressive hockey stories.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Jarvis has quickly developed from a promising local talent into one of the NHL’s brightest young stars. After starring with the Winnipeg Monarchs and the RINK Hockey Academy, Jarvis moved west to continue his development with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks.

Selected 13th overall by Carolina in the 2020 NHL Draft, the former Assiniboine Park Ranger wasted little time establishing himself as a key piece of the Hurricanes’ core.

Known for his relentless motor, competitiveness and ability to produce in big moments, Jarvis has become exactly the type of player teams need to win in the postseason — and this spring, he proved it.

After years of knocking on the door, Carolina finally broke through.

The Hurricanes had been one of the NHL’s most consistent contenders in recent seasons, but repeatedly fell short of the ultimate goal. With Jarvis playing a major role, Carolina finally pushed past that barrier and captured the franchise’s first Stanley Cup since 2006.

He concluded the postseason with four goals and 11 points, including a huge overtime, game-winner in the second game of the Stanley Cup Final.

For Manitoba hockey fans, the victory adds another name to the province’s long list of Stanley Cup champions.

Jarvis joins a proud group of Winnipeg-born players who have lifted hockey’s greatest prize, adding his name to the most famous trophy in sports.

From playing minor hockey in Winnipeg to skating a Stanley Cup lap on the NHL’s biggest stage, Jarvis’ journey represents another major success story for Manitoba’s hockey community.

And at just 24 years old, there may still be plenty more to come.

Nikolaj Ehlers’ first season away from Winnipeg ended exactly the way every NHL player dreams.

After spending the first decade of his career chasing a Stanley Cup with the Winnipeg Jets, Ehlers finally reached hockey’s summit in his first season with the Carolina Hurricanes.

The former Jets forward became a Stanley Cup champion Sunday night, helping Carolina defeat the Vegas Golden Knights four games to two and capture the franchise’s first championship since 2006. The Canes picked up a shutout win in Game 6 in Vegas on Sunday.

For Ehlers, it was the easiest goal of the playoffs, but the most important. He pumped the puck into the empty net with 1:08 remaining, as he finished off the Golden Knights by way of the 3-0 final. 

It was a storybook ending to a whirlwind year for the Danish winger.

Originally selected ninth overall by Winnipeg in the 2014 NHL Draft, Ehlers spent 10 seasons as one of the most dynamic offensive players in Jets history.

With his elite skating ability, creativity and game-breaking speed, Ehlers became a fan favourite in Manitoba and one of the most productive players to ever wear a Jets 2.0 jersey.

During his time in Winnipeg, Ehlers appeared in more than 600 regular-season games and recorded more than 500 points, placing himself among the franchise’s all-time leaders in several offensive categories.

But despite multiple strong Jets teams, playoff success proved difficult to find.

Winnipeg advanced to the Western Conference Final in 2018 and remained competitive throughout Ehlers’ tenure, but the group was never able to take the final step.

"I loved being in Winnipeg," an emotional Ehlers said post-game. "This was the dream there. I'm obviously sad I wasn't able to do that with the guys in Winnipeg and the city of Winnipeg. They hold a special place in my heart. They're family."

"The whole organization gave me a shot at playing in the NHL. I couldn't be more thankful. Like I said, it was a hard decision this summer. I loved my 10 years in Winnipeg. It was a special time."

Following his departure from the Jets, Ehlers joined a Hurricanes team built around speed, pressure and depth - a system perfectly suited for his skill set.

The fit was immediate.

Carolina’s aggressive style allowed Ehlers to thrive, while his offensive creativity gave the Hurricanes another dangerous weapon as they pushed toward a championship.

For Jets fans, the moment is likely bittersweet.

Ehlers spent years trying to bring a Stanley Cup to Winnipeg and remained one of the organization’s most beloved players throughout his time with the franchise. While the championship did not come in a Jets uniform, one of the most popular players in team history finally got his moment.

Ehlers concluded the postseason with eight goals and 18 points for the Hurricanes. 

After years of playoff heartbreak, injuries and near misses, Ehlers’ wait is over. The Dashing Dane is a Stanley Cup champion.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes beat the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in Game 6 to win their second Stanley Cup.

We're less than two weeks away from the start of the 2026 NHL Draft, and one player who could be on the Pittsburgh Penguins' radar is defenseman Tommy Bleyl. 

Bleyl played for the Moncton Wildcats in the QMJHL during the 2025-26 season and put up some ridiculous numbers, finishing with 13 goals and 81 points in 63 games. His season was so impressive that he won the Defenseman of the Year Award in the QMJHL. 

He was also fantastic in the playoffs, compiling six goals and 28 points in 21 games. This was his first season with the Wildcats, and he made sure it was a memorable one.

The first thing that jumps out about his game is his shoot-first mentality. He loves to shoot from the point and look for deflections from his teammates. However, when he has time, he can really rifle the puck, and one of my favorite examples came from a Wildcats game against the Cape Breton Eagles. Bleyl took a pass at the center of the blue line, skated in a little bit, and absolutely sniped the puck to give his team a 2-1 lead. 

Bleyl's also an exceptional skater and can get going on a dime. A great example of this was also from a game between the Wildcats and Eagles when Bleyl corralled the puck in his own zone and started skating down the left side. He gained the red line with ease before skating into the offensive zone and made a beautiful power move to the front of the net while protecting the puck on his backhand. At the last second, he moved the puck to his forehand and rifled it top shelf to cut the deficit to 4-3. 

Another example of this came during a Wildcats' game against the Val-d'Or Foreurs. He started behind his own cage and came across his own blue lines before skating through the entire penalty kill by himself. The play ended with Bleyl going to his backhand for a beautiful goal. 

These two plays are just a taste of what he can do as a skater. The skating mechanics are great and they allow him to do things with the puck that others can't. 

Bleyl quarterbacked the top power play throughout the year and did an excellent job. He has great vision from the point, allowing him to find passing lanes as soon as they open. He can make players miss with some really smooth moves and knows when to activate deeper in the offensive zone. 

The offensive game is all there, whether it's his release, skating, playmaking, or stickhandling. Heck, his transition game is also spectacular to watch. 

5 Intriguing Penguins' Draft Targets To Keep An Eye On After NHL Scouting CombineThe Pittsburgh Penguins met with a lot of players during the 2026 NHL Scouting Combine last week, where some of them stood out and are worth keeping an eye on heading into the draft later this month.

Defensively, he has an active stick in his own zone, allowing him to win some battles along the boards. His gap control is also solid and helps disrupt players as they try to come into the zone with control. He could still be better at defending in front of his own net, but that will probably come as he gets bigger and puts on more muscle. For reference, he's listed at only 170 lbs, but that should change when he plays for Michigan State. 

Michigan State is a great place for Bleyl to go to since it's one of the top college hockey programs in the country and has a history of developing some really good NHL players. 

Like a few of the other players I have profiled, I'd be more than comfortable with the Penguins taking Bleyl with the No. 22 pick if he's still on the board.

---

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!  

The NHL All-Rookie team was announced by the league on Friday.

For Senators fans, it was hard not to notice that the rival Montreal Canadiens are continuing to produce excellent entry-level players, even as they were emerging this spring as Stanley Cup contenders.

Fresh off a surprising run to the NHL Eastern Final that included playoff series victories over elite teams like Tampa Bay and Buffalo, the Canadiens had three players receive All-Rookie Team votes in 2025-26.

Ivan Demidov finished first in voting among forwards with 195 points, Oliver Kapanen received six votes, and goaltender Jakub Dobes led all rookie netminders with 151 points.

2025-26 NHL All-Rookie Team

G, Jakub Dobes, MTL
D, Alexander Nikishin, CAR
D, Matthew Schaefer, NYI
F, Ivan Demidov, MTL
F, Beckett Sennecke, ANA
F, Jimmy Snuggerud, STL

2025-26 NHL All-Rookie Team Voting (by points)

Goaltenders

1. Jakub Dobes, MTL, 151
2. Jesper Wallstedt, MIN, 44

Defensemen, Points

1. Matthew Schaefer, NYI, 194
2. Alexander Nikishin, CAR, 184
3. Zeev Buium, VAN, 9
t-4. Cole Hutson, WAS, 1
t-4. Yan Kuznetsov, CGY, ,1
t-4. Axel Sandin-Pellikka, DET, 1

Forwards 

1.  Ivan Demidov, MTL, 195
2. Beckett Sennecke, ANA, 191
3. Jimmy Snuggerud, STL,136
4. Ryan Leonard, WSH, 19
5. Fraser Minten, BOS, 16
6. Ben Kindel, PIT, 14
7. Justin Sourdif, WSH, 7
8. Oliver Kapanen, MTL, 6
9. Linus Karlsson, VAN, 1

Meanwhile, the all-rookie voting continues to shine an annual light on the tumbleweeds that roll through the Senators' farm system. This is the third straight year that the Senators have failed to get even a single vote. 

The last Ottawa players to receive a vote for the All-Rookie Team came in 2022-23. Jake Sanderson finished second among defencemen behind Owen Power with 179 voting points, while Shane Pinto picked up a single vote among forwards.

Since Steve Staios took over as GM, he's been a better steward of the club's future assets. He did trade Detroit's first-round pick (from Alex DeBrincat deal) to Boston to acquire Linus Ullmark, but he held on to the club's own first-round picks in each of the last two summers, selecting defensemen Carter Yakemchuk and Logan Hensler. 

The jury is still out on both players, and the same is true for a prospect like Stephen Halliday, who played just 30 games this season. Not enough to get votes this year, and too many to qualify as a rookie next year.

The prospect pool starts to get pretty shallow after those three.

Not that fans need convincing, but the recent voting is further proof that the club's asset management and drafting over the past five years have generally failed to provide any sort of real organizational depth, let alone contenders for the NHL all-rookie team.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

This story was first published at The Hockey News' Ottawa Senators site. Check out more from THN.com/Ottawa at the links below.

Jason York Shares A Wild Mike Babcock Story From Their Anaheim Days
Senators Reveal Their First-Round Draft Approach 
Former Senators Forward Retires From Hockey At 34
Senators Top Amateur Scout Weighs In On Yakemchuk's First Pro Season
LA Kings Get Their Man, And The Ex-Senators Coaching Drought Continues
Why Brady Tkachuk Is Poised For A Monster Bounce-Back Season

Hurricanes claim second Stanley Cup with Game 6 win over Golden Knights originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Welcome back to the summit, Carolina.

The Hurricanes took down the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in Game 6 Sunday night to win the Stanley Cup.

It’s the second championship in Hurricanes history, ending a 20-year drought with the last triumph coming in 2005-26.

After the first four games of the series featured the two sides exchanging wins, Carolina stamped its authority with a 4-2 victory in Game 5 to make it two straight wins — and one away from the title.

But doing so in the Vegas atmosphere wouldn’t be easy. Now it’s been done.

Just about four minutes into the opening period, Taylor Hall found himself open on the break for a 1v1 shot. He drilled it home.

HALL OR NOTHING!

Taylor Hall opens the scoring for the @Canes in Game 6!

📺: ABC, @Sportsnet, & @TVASportspic.twitter.com/7lzQjRqPOP

— NHL (@NHL) June 15, 2026

The second goal came with about six-and-a-half minutes to go in the second period. With the Golden Knights camped in their defensive box, Jackson Blake smacked it home with force. Logan Stankoven recorded the assist.

JACKSON BLAKE!!

THE @CANES NOW LEAD 2-0 HERE IN THE SECOND PERIOD!

📺: ABC, @Sportsnet, & @TVASportspic.twitter.com/tGdDieLkjJ

— NHL (@NHL) June 15, 2026

Carolina held it down from there with Brandon Buss coming out with several important saves.

In the closing minutes, Nikolaj Ehlers made it 3-0 off an empty net. He had some work to do to create the angle but made it happen.

NIK EHLERS WITH THE EMPTY NET GOAL!!! pic.twitter.com/SaIfzNQOrJ

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 15, 2026

The Hurricanes now see their 20-year wait for the title come to a close. They topped the Metropolitan Division with a win-loss-overtime loss record of 53-22-7. The 113-point total trailed only the Colorado Avalanche’s 121, though Colorado could not optimize its tag as favorites.

Carolina last won the Stanley Cup in 2005-06 after defeating the Edmonton Oilers 3-1 in Game 7. The franchise also made the final in 2001-02, its only other appearance, but lost 4-1 to the Detroit Red Wings despite taking the opening game on the road.

The Golden Knights, which started play in 2017, made its third appearance in the final — still a remarkable feat despite two losses. Vegas first made it in its debut campaign before falling short to the Washington Capitals 4-1 — also after winning Game 1, but at home.

Vegas then claimed its first championship in 2022-23 after a brilliant 9-3 Game 5 win against the Florida Panthers, right before their dominant stretch.

Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour also put himself in the history books by winning a title with the franchise as both a player (captain, too) and head coach. He’s made the playoffs in each of his eight seasons leading the team, finally breaking through this year.

From one Stanley Cup-winning captain to another ❤️

So special for Jordan Staal and Rod Brind'Amour 🥹 pic.twitter.com/a1bqDfdqP7

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 15, 2026

He made the conference finals three times, including his debut head-coaching season.

Only six other players have achieved the feat of winning a title as a player and a coach for the same team. The last example transpired in 1956 with Montreal Canadiens’ Toe Blake.

Brind’Amour will be tasked with the tough ask to repeat as champions, though his resume indicates his side will likely be back in the mix.

Carolina is the latest example of a major professional league team ending a championship drought this season. The New York Knicks just claimed the NBA title after 53 years, while Arsenal ended a 22-year Premier League title wait.

Hurricanes claim second Stanley Cup with Game 6 win over Golden Knights originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Welcome back to the summit, Carolina.

The Hurricanes took down the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in Game 6 Sunday night to win the Stanley Cup.

It’s the second championship in Hurricanes history, ending a 20-year drought with the last triumph coming in 2005-26.

After the first four games of the series featured the two sides exchanging wins, Carolina stamped its authority with a 4-2 victory in Game 5 to make it two straight wins — and one away from the title.

But doing so in the Vegas atmosphere wouldn’t be easy. Now it’s been done.

Just about four minutes into the opening period, Taylor Hall found himself open on the break for a 1v1 shot. He drilled it home.

HALL OR NOTHING!

Taylor Hall opens the scoring for the @Canes in Game 6!

📺: ABC, @Sportsnet, & @TVASportspic.twitter.com/7lzQjRqPOP

— NHL (@NHL) June 15, 2026

The second goal came with about six-and-a-half minutes to go in the second period. With the Golden Knights camped in their defensive box, Jackson Blake smacked it home with force. Logan Stankoven recorded the assist.

JACKSON BLAKE!!

THE @CANES NOW LEAD 2-0 HERE IN THE SECOND PERIOD!

📺: ABC, @Sportsnet, & @TVASportspic.twitter.com/tGdDieLkjJ

— NHL (@NHL) June 15, 2026

Carolina held it down from there with Brandon Buss coming out with several important saves.

In the closing minutes, Nikolaj Ehlers made it 3-0 off an empty net. He had some work to do to create the angle but made it happen.

NIK EHLERS WITH THE EMPTY NET GOAL!!! pic.twitter.com/SaIfzNQOrJ

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 15, 2026

The Hurricanes now see their 20-year wait for the title come to a close. They topped the Metropolitan Division with a win-loss-overtime loss record of 53-22-7. The 113-point total trailed only the Colorado Avalanche’s 121, though Colorado could not optimize its tag as favorites.

Carolina last won the Stanley Cup in 2005-06 after defeating the Edmonton Oilers 3-1 in Game 7. The franchise also made the final in 2001-02, its only other appearance, but lost 4-1 to the Detroit Red Wings despite taking the opening game on the road.

The Golden Knights, which started play in 2017, made its third appearance in the final — still a remarkable feat despite two losses. Vegas first made it in its debut campaign before falling short to the Washington Capitals 4-1 — also after winning Game 1, but at home.

Vegas then claimed its first championship in 2022-23 after a brilliant 9-3 Game 5 win against the Florida Panthers, right before their dominant stretch.

Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour also put himself in the history books by winning a title with the franchise as both a player (captain, too) and head coach. He’s made the playoffs in each of his eight seasons leading the team, finally breaking through this year.

From one Stanley Cup-winning captain to another ❤️

So special for Jordan Staal and Rod Brind'Amour 🥹 pic.twitter.com/a1bqDfdqP7

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 15, 2026

He made the conference finals three times, including his debut head-coaching season.

Only six other players have achieved the feat of winning a title as a player and a coach for the same team. The last example transpired in 1956 with Montreal Canadiens’ Toe Blake.

Brind’Amour will be tasked with the tough ask to repeat as champions, though his resume indicates his side will likely be back in the mix.

Carolina is the latest example of a major professional league team ending a championship drought this season. The New York Knicks just claimed the NBA title after 53 years, while Arsenal ended a 22-year Premier League title wait.

The Stanley Cup Final is nearing the end and just like last year, there has been some overtime.

With the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights evenly matched, we had the first overtime in this year's Final in Game 2. It was followed by double overtime in Game. 3.

The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers went to overtime three times in the first four games. The Oilers won Games 1 and 4 while the Panthers won Game 2 in double overtime. Games 5 and 6 were settled in regulation as the Panthers beat the Oilers for the second year in a row.

Unlike the Olympics and world championships, where 3-on-3 overtime is played even in the gold medal game, the NHL switches things up in the postseason when the games matter more.

There won't be any more 3-on-3 play. It is 5-on-5 instead, just like in regulation play. There won't be any more shootouts. There is sudden death, and it could last a very long time.

This postseason, there have been 22 overtime games, including four double-overtime games. 

Here's what to know about playoff hockey overtime, including the format, longest games and 2026 results.

How does OT work in NHL playoffs?

If the score is tied after three periods, the teams go to the dressing rooms for 15 minutes while the ice is resurfaced. Overtime periods last 20 minutes or until someone scores. It's 5-on-5 play (barring penalties). If no one scores in the first overtime, the process repeats and continues until someone scores. The teams change sides for each overtime period. The first overtime is the long change to get back to the bench.

The NHL Situation Room reviews all goals to make sure they are legally scored, such as the goal that ended Game 4 of the Anaheim-Edmonton series or the overturned goal in Game 4 of the Vegas-Utah series.

2026 NHL playoff overtime results

June 6: Golden Knights 5, Hurricanes 4 (2OT): Shea Theodore scored the winner at 5:38 of the second overtime as Vegas took a 2-1 lead in the Stanley Cup Final.

A crazy goal to end a crazy Game 3 in double overtime
Shea Theodore launches a slapshot that smacks the endboards, bounces back, and goes off of Brandon Bussi's skate--IN MID-AIR, MIND YOU--and into the net#SoundTheSiren#ForgedInFire#NHL#StanleyCuppic.twitter.com/owiUGMzBBJ

— Queen of the Puck (@rbarkleyhockey) June 7, 2026

June 4:Hurricanes 4, Golden Knights 3: Seth Jarvis scored the winner at 3:56 of the first overtime as Carolina tied the Stanley Cup Final 1-1.

May 25: Hurricanes 3, Canadiens 2: Andrei Svechnikov scored the winner at 14:06 of the first overtime as Carolina took the series lead in Game 3.

May 23: Hurricanes 3, Canadiens 2. Nikolaj Ehlers scored the winner at 3:29 of the first overtime as Carolina tied the series in Game 2.

May 18: Canadiens 3, Sabres 2. Alex Newhook scored the winner at 11:22 of the first overtime as Montreal ousted Buffalo in Game 7.

May 13: Avalanche 4, Wild 3. Brett Kulak scored the winner at 3:52 of the first overtime as Colorado ousted Minnesota in Game 5.

May 12: Golden Knights 3, Ducks 2. Pavel Dorofeyev scored the winning goal just over four minutes into the first overtime period to give Vegas a 3-2 series lead over Anaheim.

May 9: Hurricanes 3, Flyers 2. Jackson Blake scored at 5:31 of the first overtime to sweep the Flyers.

May 4: Hurricanes 3, Flyers 2. Taylor Hall scored at 18:54 of the first overtime for a 2-0 series lead.

May 1: Lightning 1, Canadiens 0. Gage Goncalves scored at 9:03 of the first overtime to tie the series.

April 29: Golden Knights 5, Mammoth 4. Brett Howden scored at 5:28 of the second overtime as Vegas took a 3-2 lead on Utah.

April 29: Flyers 1, Penguins 0. Cam York scored at 17:32 of the first overtime as the Flyers ousted the Penguins in Game 6.

April 28: Bruins 2, Sabres 1. David Pastrnak scored at 9:14 of the first overtime to cut the Bruins' series deficit to 3-2.

April 27: Golden Knights 5, Mammoth 4. Shea Theodore scored at 19:08 of the first overtime to tie the series at two games apiece.

April 26: Ducks 4, Oilers 3. Ryan Poehling scored 2:29 into the first overtime to give Anaheim a 3-1 series lead.

April 25: Wild 3, Stars 2. Matt Boldy scored at 19:31 of the first overtime as the Wild tied the series 2-2.

April 24: Canadiens 3, Lightning 2. Lane Hutson scored at 2:09 of the first overtime, giving Montreal a 2-1 series lead.

April 22: Stars 4, Wild 3. Wyatt Johnston scored at 12:10 of the second overtime, giving Dallas a 2-1 series lead.

April 21: Avalanche 2, Kings 1. Nicolas Roy scored the winning goal at the 12:16 mark of the first overtime, giving Colorado a 2-0 series lead.

April 21: Lightning 3, Canadiens 2. J.J. Moser scored at 7:12 in the first overtime to tie up the series at a game apiece. It was Moser's first career NHL playoff goal.

April 20: Hurricanes 3, Senators 2. Jordan Martinook scored at 13:53 of the second overtime. He was stopped on a penalty shot in the first overtime.

April 19: Canadiens 4, Lightning 3. Juraj Slafkovsky scored at 1:22 of the first overtime, completing a hat trick.

Longest Stanley Cup Final games

Eight Stanley Cup Final games have gone to the third overtime. The Edmonton Oilers were part of the longest game when Petr Klima scored at 15:13 of the third overtime for a 3-2 win against the Boston Bruins in the 1990 Final.

What are the longest NHL playoff overtime games?

• 1 - Six overtimes (116 minutes, 30 seconds of overtime) in the 1936 semifinals. March 24, 1935. Detroit 1, Montreal Maroons 0. Mud Bruneteau scored the winner.
• 2 - Six overtimes (104 minutes, 46 seconds of overtime) in the 1933 semifinals. April 3, 1933. Toronto 1, Boston 0. Ken Doraty scored the winner.
• 3 - Five overtimes (92 minutes, 1 second of overtime) in the 2000 conference semifinals. May 4, 2000. Philadelphia 2, Pittsburgh 1. Keith Primeau scored the winner.
• 4 - Five overtimes (90 minutes, 27 seconds of overtime) in the 2020 first round. Aug. 11, 2020. Tampa Bay 3, Columbus 2. Brayden Point scored the winner.
• 5 - Five overtimes (80 minutes, 48 seconds of overtime) in the 2003 conference semifinals. April 24, 2003. Anaheim 4, Dallas 3. Petr Sykora scored the winner.
• 6 - Four overtimes (79 minutes, 47 seconds of overtime) in the 2023 conference finals. May 18, 2023. Florida 3, Carolina 2. Matthew Tkachuk scored the winner.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL playoffs overtime rules, 2026 bracket results and longest games

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Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is likely to be on the move at some point during the offseason after his highly-publicized reported trade request that broke earlier this month. 

In the initial stages of the fallout of the trade request, Larkin's preferred three destinations appeared limited to the Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, and Minnesota Wild - all of whom have Team USA forwards Larkin played with during last year's Four Nations Face-Off and the 2026 Winter Milan Olympics. 

Since then, reports have indicated that Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman approached Larkin's representation with the request of expanding his trade team list, which they were apparently receptive toward.

In the meantime, a new club in the Western Conference has emerged as a potential trading partner with the Red Wings. 

Could a deal with the San Jose Sharks make sense for Detroit, especially if they were to land 2025 second overall pick Michael Misa in return? 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

According to Sharks beat writer Max Miller of Sharks Hockey Digest, San Jose could very well show interest in Larkin, but wondered if it would ultimately be best for their long-term roster construction. 

"Adding a consistent 30-goal center with strong defensive ability wouldn’t hurt the Sharks, but it would raise questions about other areas," Miller wrote. "Michael Misa is still 19 years old and is projected to become the No. 2 center behind Macklin Celebrini. Alexander Wennberg just signed a three-year extension. Pushing those two down the lineup to add Larkin doesn’t seem like the right thing to do."

Miller then said he believes Sharks GM Mike Grier, who keeps his cards close to the vest as is Yzerman's tendency, will at least be placing a call to Detroit. 

"I believe Grier will at least call the Red Wings to see what the asking price for Larkin is," he said. "That doesn’t mean the San Jose Sharks are truly interested in acquiring the gold medalist. Since taking over as GM, Grier has kept his interests close to his chest. That hasn’t stopped many reports linking the Sharks to various trade rumors."

The Sharks, led by 2024 first overall pick Macklin Celebrini, are a team on the rise that just missed out on the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season, but could soon be a force in the Western Conference. 

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If you think about it, the two teams in this Stanley Cup Final are perfect foils of each other.

At one end of the ice, you have a team that has known nothing but heartbreak and humiliation for two decades. After winning the Stanley Cup in 2006, the Carolina Hurricanes went on to make the playoffs just once over the next 12 years. They’ve qualified for the postseason in each of the last eight seasons, but in each one, they’ve suffered the pain of never enough.

At the other end of the ice, you have a team that has enjoyed unparalleled success before celebrating its tenth birthday. The Vegas Golden Knights have missed the playoffs just once in their nine-year history and boast the most postseason wins since 2018. This is their third trip to the Stanley Cup Final, and they have already won it once.

These teams are opposites in every single way. The Hurricanes prioritize drafting and developing prospects; the Golden Knights prefer to use theirs as trade bait. The Hurricanes have been accused of being afraid to take the big swing; the Golden Knights have earned a reputation as a team that does the exact opposite.

And yet, they are both the same where it matters most: they are both in search of their second Stanley Cup in franchise history.

Down 3-2 in the series, the Golden Knights sit just one loss from their Stanley Cup dreams coming to an end. This is the first time they have faced elimination this postseason. However, this is a group that refuses to go gently into that good night. If they go down, they’ll go down swinging.

This Golden Knights team is stacked with players who have won before; the Hurricanes claim just two Stanley Cup Champions. The Golden Knights hope that their veteran locker room will give them an edge over a Hurricanes team that is, for the most part, fairly new to this stage.

“I think it definitely helps,” said forward Mitch Marner. “I mean, I think a lot of guys in this room have played some massive games throughout their lifetime. So, you lean on that to stay calm, stay in the moment.”

Defenseman Jeremy Lauzon mentioned Brayden McNabb, Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, and Marner as veteran players who are leading the way.

“Leaning on those guys kind of comes naturally,” Lauzon said. “You don’t think about leaning on those guys, but when you’re out there, they make plays that change momentum during the game and boost our confidence within the group. I think for an elimination game, [they offer] something that’s really important for our group to have.”