Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina Hurricanes fall to Golden Knights in Stanley Cup Final. A look at Game 1

By Robert Willett , Ethan Hyman and Travis Long

Updated June 2, 2026 11:16 PM

Vegas’ Mark Stone (61) celebrates after Tomas Hertl scored to make the score 5-4 in the third period of the Golden Knights’ 5-4 victory over the Hurricanes in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. — Vegas’ Mark Stone (61) celebrates after Tomas Hertl scored to make the score 5-4 in the third period of the Golden Knights’ 5-4 victory over the Hurricanes in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

The Carolina Hurricanes, fresh off of their Eastern Conference Championship, face the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Championship at Raleigh, N.C.’s Lenovo Center, Tuesday night June 2, 2026.

Check out photos from the tailgating and game action below. Check back after the game for more.

Follow this story for live updates of the game.

Carolina's Jordan Martinook (48) and Jordan Staal (11) celebrate with Nikolaj Ehlers (27) after he scored during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. — Carolina's Jordan Martinook (48) and Jordan Staal (11) celebrate with Nikolaj Ehlers (27) after he scored during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Carolina's Nikolaj Ehlers (27) celebrates with Jordan Martinook (48) after Ehlers scored in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. — Carolina's Nikolaj Ehlers (27) celebrates with Jordan Martinook (48) after Ehlers scored in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Carolina Hurricanes left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) celebrates with teammate Jordan Martinook (48) after scoring to take a 1-0 lead against Las Vegas in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. — Carolina Hurricanes left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) celebrates with teammate Jordan Martinook (48) after scoring to take a 1-0 lead against Las Vegas in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

Carolina Hurricanes left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) celebrates after scoring to take a 1-0 lead in the first period against Las Vegas,in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. — Carolina Hurricanes left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) celebrates after scoring to take a 1-0 lead in the first period against Las Vegas,in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

Las Vegas center William Karlsson (71) celebrates with teammate Mitch Marner (93) after scoring to give the Knights a 3-2 lead in the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. — Las Vegas center William Karlsson (71) celebrates with teammate Mitch Marner (93) after scoring to give the Knights a 3-2 lead in the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

Las Vegas center William Karlsson (71) reacts after scoring to give the Knights a 3-2 lead in the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. — Las Vegas center William Karlsson (71) reacts after scoring to give the Knights a 3-2 lead in the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

Carolina's Nikolaj Ehlers (27) scores on Vegas’ Carter Hart (79) in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. — Carolina's Nikolaj Ehlers (27) scores on Vegas’ Carter Hart (79) in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Carolina's Jordan Martinook (48) celebrates with Jordan Staal (11) after Staal scored in the second period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. — Carolina's Jordan Martinook (48) celebrates with Jordan Staal (11) after Staal scored in the second period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Carolina's William Carrier (28) checks Vegas' Jeremy Lauzon (5) during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. — Carolina's William Carrier (28) checks Vegas' Jeremy Lauzon (5) during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Vegas’ Ivan Barbashev (49) is knocked to the ground as he tries to check Carolina's Jordan Staal (11) in the second period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. — Vegas’ Ivan Barbashev (49) is knocked to the ground as he tries to check Carolina's Jordan Staal (11) in the second period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Sean Walker (26) checks Las Vegas left wing Ivan Barbashev (49) to the ice in the second period in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. — Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Sean Walker (26) checks Las Vegas left wing Ivan Barbashev (49) to the ice in the second period in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

Vegas’ Noah Hanifin (15) breaks up the shot by Carolina's Jackson Blake (53) in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. — Vegas’ Noah Hanifin (15) breaks up the shot by Carolina's Jackson Blake (53) in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Vegas’ Carter Hart (79) breaks up the shot by Carolina's Sebastian Aho (20) in the second period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. — Vegas’ Carter Hart (79) breaks up the shot by Carolina's Sebastian Aho (20) in the second period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Carolina defenseman Jacoob Slavin (74) celebrates after a goal by Nikolaj Ehlers to take a 2-0 lead over Las Vegas in the first period in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. — Carolina defenseman Jacoob Slavin (74) celebrates after a goal by Nikolaj Ehlers to take a 2-0 lead over Las Vegas in the first period in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

Vegas’ Colton Sissons (10) checks Carolina's Seth Jarvis (24) during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. — Vegas’ Colton Sissons (10) checks Carolina's Seth Jarvis (24) during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Carolina's Sebastian Aho (20) goes after the puck in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. — Carolina's Sebastian Aho (20) goes after the puck in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Carolina left wing William Carrier (28) checks Las Vegas defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (5) into the boards in the first period in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. — Carolina left wing William Carrier (28) checks Las Vegas defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (5) into the boards in the first period in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

Carolina's Shayne Gostisbehere (4) tries to block the pass by Vegas’ Brett Howden (21) in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. — Carolina's Shayne Gostisbehere (4) tries to block the pass by Vegas’ Brett Howden (21) in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Carolina's Sebastian Aho (20) goes after the puck in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. — Carolina's Sebastian Aho (20) goes after the puck in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Carolina's Sean Walker (26) and Vegas’ Cole Smith (22) go after the puck in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. — Carolina's Sean Walker (26) and Vegas’ Cole Smith (22) go after the puck in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

The Stanley Cup is at center ice in the Lenovo Center during the National Anthem, prior to Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Las Vegas Knights, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. — The Stanley Cup is at center ice in the Lenovo Center during the National Anthem, prior to Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Las Vegas Knights, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

Fans go after a puck thrown into the crowd by Carolina's Jackson Blake (53) before the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. — Fans go after a puck thrown into the crowd by Carolina's Jackson Blake (53) before the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. — Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. — Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. — Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. — Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

Carolina Hurricanes fans tailgate in the parking lot at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. — Carolina Hurricanes fans tailgate in the parking lot at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

Carolina Hurricanes fans tailgate in the parking lot at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. — Carolina Hurricanes fans tailgate in the parking lot at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

Carolina Hurricanes fans tailgate in the parking lot at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. — Carolina Hurricanes fans tailgate in the parking lot at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. — Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

Carolina Hurricanes fans tailgate in the parking lot at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. — Carolina Hurricanes fans tailgate in the parking lot at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 8:24 PM with the headline "Carolina Hurricanes fall to Golden Knights in Stanley Cup Final. A look at Game 1."