The 2026 Stanley Cup Final is in the history books as the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Vegas Golden Knights, 3-0 Taylor Hall and Jackson Blake each scored goals for Carolina. However, Brandon Bussi made 22 saves for his first career postseason shutout. Nikolaj Ehlers added an empty-net goal to help seal the deal for the Canes.
The victory gives Carolina its second Stanley Cup in franchise history and first since 2006.
Carter Hart stopped 20 shots for the Golden Knights, who have lost in the final for the second time in three appearances. The Vegas offence came up empty in a win-or-go-home matchup against Carolina.
Let’s take a look at the recap for Game 6 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.
2026 Stanley Cup Final Recap
A Gutsy Time to Switch
Carolina had ridden Frederik Andersen to the Stanley Cup Final. The Dane was part of a red-hot streak that saw Carolina lose only once before reaching the Cup Final.
However, Andersen struggled at times in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final. Vegas had seemingly unlocked Andersen and were riding the momentum. It looked like goaltending would bite the Hurricanes in the backside once again, but this time at the final hurdle.
However, Carolina head coach Rod Brind’Amour made the gutsy call to start Bussi after being the backup for most of the team’s postseason run. Bussi would appear in Game 3 and get the start in Game 4.
The journeyman goalie started off the season hot but had cooled down after the Olympics. Brind’Amour’s switch could have blown up in his face, but it seemingly shifted the tide in the Hurricanes’ favour. Bussi came up clutch for Carolina.
(Credit Image: © Alex Cave/ZUMA Press Wire)
Understanding the Assignment
The Hurricanes seemingly rose to meet the moment in Game 6. Teams on the edge of clinching can often tighten up and have a hard time finishing the job. The old cliche is the hardest game to win in a series is the last one.
However, Carolina rose to the occasion and closed out Vegas in a business-like fashion. The Hurricanes played like a team that finally put all those deep runs together and used that experience.
Carolina had been snakebitten in the Eastern Conference Finals the last few seasons. However, they have seemingly cast that bad luck aside and played like a team that finally realized its destiny.
What’s Next for Both Teams
The Hurricanes finally got over the hump and have the title that they’ve coveted for so many seasons. Its veteran leadership shone through and they got some contributions from every part of the lineup. There may be some questions on some of their veterans. However, that comes with the territory on all clubs.
Vegas has some decisions to make in the coming offseason. John Tortorella will step away as he indicated to the press during the series. This means one of the most high-pressure and coveted spots behind an NHL bench comes open. The talent is there to win a title, but the expectations are lofty. Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon isn’t afraid to make a change if things go south at a moment’s notice.
Bruce Cassidy had won the team its only Stanley Cup, but he was shockingly dismissed with just eight games to go in the regular season. The move to bring in Tortorella was surprising, but it did get them back to the final.
There’s plenty to like about this Vegas squad with players like Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner. However, whoever takes the job is going to have to cash in with all the chips they have or they will go bust and be led away from the table at a moment’s notice.
Main photo by: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
