The Carolina Hurricanes are the final team left standing in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. After defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 6, the Hurricanes are Stanley Cup champs for the second time in franchise history.
After going 12-1 in the first three rounds, the Hurricanes had a bit more trouble against the Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final, but they still ended the postseason with a sparkling 16-3 mark. Captain Jordan Staal, 37, became the oldest player ever to win the Conn Smythe Trophy with six goals in the Final.
First-year goalie Brandon Bussi took over for Frederik Andersen midway through Game 3, and he instantly became a folk hero. Bussi really cemented his legacy with a 22-save shutout in Game 6 to clinch a championship for the Hurricanes.
Of course, Bussi had plenty of help from the Carolina defense, which was nearly perfect through the final two games. Vegas went almost 19 straight minutes without a shot on goal in Game 6, and players like Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner were completely held in check.
In his first season with the Golden Knights, Marner has had an enormous impact, even if he came up short of his first Stanley Cup. His 29 points led all playoff performers, but he didn't quite get enough support from the rest of the roster.
With the Stanley Cup Playoffs at an end, here is the full slate of results.
2026 Stanley Cup Final schedule
(1) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (1) Vegas Golden Knights
Game 1: Golden Knights 5, Hurricanes 4 | Recap
Game 2: Hurricanes 4, Golden Knights 3 (OT) | Recap
Game 3: Golden Knights 5, Hurricanes 4 (2OT) | Recap
Game 4: Hurricanes 5, Golden Knights 3 | Recap
Game 5: Hurricanes 4, Golden Knights 2 | Recap
Game 6: Sunday, June 14 | at VGK | 8 p.m. | ABC, streaming on Fubo (Try for free)
*Game 7: Wednesday, June 17 | at CAR | 8 p.m. | ABC, streaming on Fubo (Try for free)
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