If you are looking for the absolute latest NHL news and NHL scores, you have come to the right place. The hockey world was treated to an absolute thriller on Thursday night as the 2026 Stanley Cup Final delivered yet another chapter of history.
2026 Stanley Cup Final: Game 5 Highlights and NHL Scores
The Carolina Hurricanes are officially on the brink of glory. Stepping onto the ice at the Lenovo Center for Game 5, the pressure was immense, but Carolina answered the bell with a decisive 4-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. Taking a 3-2 series lead, the Hurricanes are now just one win away from hoisting the franchise’s second Stanley Cup.
The biggest NHL news of the night revolved around the Hurricanes’ veterans silencing their critics. Andrei Svechnikov, who had been quiet offensively in the series, erupted for two massive power-play goals. Sebastian Aho added a beautiful skate-to-stick game-winner. However, it is captain Jordan Staal who is cementing his legacy. Staal scored yet again, extending his goal streak to five games. He joins elite company, becoming the first player since Jean Beliveau in 1956 to score in the first five games of a Stanley Cup Final.
In net, Carolina’s rookie sensation Brandon Bussi continued his Cinderella story. Making 23 saves, Bussi became the first goaltender in NHL history to win his first two career playoff starts on the Stanley Cup Final stage.
Meanwhile, Vegas faces a daunting task heading back to T-Mobile Arena for Game 6 on Sunday. To make matters worse, two-way center William Karlsson left the game with an arm injury, throwing a wrench into head coach John Tortorella’s plans.
- Carolina Leads Series 3-2.
- Andrei Svechnikov scored two crucial power-play goals.
- Jordan Staal extended his goal streak to five games, becoming the first player since Jean Beliveau in 1956 to score in the first five games of a Cup Final.
- Rookie goaltender Brandon Bussi made 23 saves, becoming the first goalie in NHL history to win his first two career playoff starts in the Stanley Cup Final.
- Vegas center William Karlsson left in the second period with an arm injury.
NHL Rumors: Dylan Larkin Trade Destinations Heating Up
While the hockey world is focused on the NHL scores from the Finals, the offseason rumor mill is already spinning out of control. The latest buzz out of Detroit indicates that Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has officially submitted a three-team trade list to management. According to reports, Larkin’s preferred destinations are the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers. The Dallas Stars and the Tampa Bay Lightning are also showing interest in Larkin.
Minnesota appears to be the frontrunner with the most workable salary cap situation, while Florida and Vegas would have to perform salary-cap gymnastics to absorb Larkin’s $8.7 million AAV. In other massive news circulating this morning, Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse has reportedly requested a trade, meaning the defensive market is about to get incredibly crowded.
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