Svechnikov, Aho strike as Canes on cusp of title
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- Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, moving within a victory of the championship.
- Andrei Svechnikov scored two goals, including a short power‑play putaway at the post that gave Carolina a 4‑1 lead midway through the third period.
- Sebastian Aho added a second‑period goal, contributing to the Hurricanes' offensive surge after earlier power‑play struggles.
- Jordan Staal recorded his fifth goal of the series, helping Carolina overcome a shaky power play and a second‑period slump.
- Brandon Bussi made 22 saves in his second career postseason start, preserving the 4‑1 lead and earning the win.
- Pavel Dorofeyev scored twice for Vegas, his first goals since Game 1 of the Western Conference Final.
- Carter Hart became the first goaltender in Stanley Cup Final history to allow at least four goals in each of the first four games, and gave up four again in Game 5.
Why it matters: The win puts the Hurricanes one victory away from their first Stanley Cup since 2006, boosting their championship odds while forcing the Golden Knights to win on home ice to force a decisive Game 7. It also highlights Carter Hart’s historic struggle, becoming the first goalie to surrender four goals in each of the first four finals games.
