RALEIGH, N.C. — Tomas Hertl scored with 3:24 remaining in the third period, capping a comeback from a two-goal deficit as the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday at Lenovo Center.
Hertl’s goal came off a backhand assist from Colton Sissons, giving Vegas its first lead of the night. The Golden Knights had trailed 2-0 within the first 13 minutes after Nik Ehlers scored twice for Carolina — once 25 seconds in on a 2-on-1 and again on a breakaway at 12:08.
Shea Theodore answered with his fifth goal of the playoffs 1:20 after Ehlers’ second tally, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Ivan Barbashev and William Karlsson scored in the second period, and Brett Howden put Vegas ahead 4-3 just 1:20 into the third. Carolina tied it again before Hertl’s winner.
Defenseman Brayden McNabb recorded three assists, a career high. Goaltender Carter Hart made 23 saves for the Golden Knights, who improved to 3-0 all-time in Game 1 of a Cup Final. Game 2 is Thursday in Raleigh.
