Hurricanes Remain Coy on Game 5 Starter as Brandon Bussi Appears Likely
The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in Game 5 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final on Thursday night in Raleigh, taking a 3-2 series lead. Andrei Svechnikov scored twice, including the game-winner on a power play, while Jordan Staal extended his goal streak to five consecutive games in the Final. The Hurricanes now travel to Las Vegas with a chance to clinch the Stanley Cup in Game 6 on Sunday.
The Carolina Hurricanes won Game 5 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final 4-2 over the Vegas Golden Knights at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, putting themselves one win away from the championship. Goalie Brandon Bussi made 21 saves on 23 shots in his second consecutive playoff start, becoming the first goaltender in NHL history to win his first two career playoff starts in the Stanley Cup Final. Andrei Svechnikov scored twice on the power play, including the game-winner in the second period, while Sebastian Aho and Jordan Staal also scored for Carolina. Staal's goal extended his streak to five consecutive games in the Final, tying the NHL record for the longest goal streak to open a Cup Final. A key turning point was the Hurricanes' second period, in which they outscored Vegas 2-0 after being outscored 9-1 in second periods across the first four games. Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart allowed four or more goals for the fifth consecutive game in the series, a Cup Final record. Vegas also lost forward William Karlsson to an apparent injury, casting doubt on his availability for Game 6.
What's missing
The severity and nature of William Karlsson's injury have not been confirmed by the Golden Knights, leaving his Game 6 availability genuinely uncertain.
How coverage differed
Fox News/OutKick's pre-game coverage focused on the intrigue around Carolina's goaltending decision and offered speculative analysis, while Bleacher Report's post-game piece provided detailed statistical and historical context. The Times of India emphasized the human-interest angle of Bussi's family's emotional reaction, a framing absent from the North American sports outlets.
What different sources said
- Covers.comCenter
Golden Knights vs Hurricanes Prediction, Picks & Best Bets for Tonight's Stanley Cup Final Game 5
- ABC NewsCenter
WATCH: Hurricanes, Golden Knights to face off in Game 5 of Stanley Cup Finals
- Fox NewsRight
Hurricanes stay quiet on their Game 5 goalie, but a practice clue hints Brandon Bussi gets the nod again
- VSiNCenter
Game 5 Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes: NHL Expert Picks and Player Props for Thursday, June 11
- Bleacher ReportCenter
2026 NHL Stanley Cup Final: 5 Takeaways From Hurricanes-Golden Knights Game 5
- Times of IndiaCenter
Brandon Bussi’s family shared an emotional reaction after Game 5 triumph
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