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

By Robert Willett , Ethan Hyman and Travis Long
Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal (11) works to defend Las Vegas right wing Mitch Marner (93) in the second period during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal (11) works to defend Las Vegas right wing Mitch Marner (93) in the second period during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@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 Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (4) celebrates with teammates Logan Stankoven (22) and Jackson Blake (53), after scoring to tie Las Vegas 4-4 in the third period of Game 1 in the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (4) celebrates with teammates Logan Stankoven (22) and Jackson Blake (53), after scoring to tie Las Vegas 4-4 in the third period of Game 1 in the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (4) reacts with teammates Logan Stankoven (22) and Jackson Blake (53), after scoring to tie Las Vegas 4-4 in the third period of Game 1 in the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (4) reacts with teammates Logan Stankoven (22) and Jackson Blake (53), after scoring to tie Las Vegas 4-4 in the third period of Game 1 in the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes center Logan Stankoven (22) works to control the puck against Las Vegas right wing Noah Hanifin (15), in the third period during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
Carolina Hurricanes center Logan Stankoven (22) works to control the puck against Las Vegas right wing Noah Hanifin (15), in the third period during 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 goalie Carter Hart (79) makes a glove save on a scoring attempt by Carolina Hurricanes right wing Seth Jarvis (24) in the third period during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
Las Vegas goalie Carter Hart (79) makes a glove save on a scoring attempt by Carolina Hurricanes right wing Seth Jarvis (24) in the third period during 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 Brett Howden (21) scores on Carolina Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen (31) to take a 4-3 lead in the third period of Game 1 in the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
Las Vegas center Brett Howden (21) scores on Carolina Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen (31) to take a 4-3 lead in the third period of Game 1 in the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal (11) wins a face off against Las Vegas center Jack Eichel (9) in the third period during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal (11) wins a face off against Las Vegas center Jack Eichel (9) in the third period during 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 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 fans celebrate after a goal by Nikolaj Ehlers (27) in the first period, during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
Carolina Hurricanes fans celebrate after a goal by Nikolaj Ehlers (27) in the first period, during 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 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
Carolina Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen (31) lets a shot by Las Vegas defenseman Shea Theodore (27) gets past him for the first Knights’ goal during the first period in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
Carolina Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen (31) lets a shot by Las Vegas defenseman Shea Theodore (27) gets past him for the first Knights’ goal during 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
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
Las Vegas center Brett Howden (21) and Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (4) battle for control of the puck in front of the Knights’ goal in the second period, during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
Las Vegas center Brett Howden (21) and Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (4) battle for control of the puck in front of the Knights’ goal in the second period, during 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 captain Jordan Staal (11) works to defend Las Vegas right wing Mitch Marner (93) in the second period during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal (11) works to defend Las Vegas right wing Mitch Marner (93) in the second period during 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 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."

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