LAS VEGAS — Taylor Hall and Jackson Blake each tallied their seventh postseason goal, leading the Carolina Hurricanes to a 3-0 shutout victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final on Sunday night, securing the franchise’s second NHL championship.
Undrafted rookie goaltender Brandon Bussi, making his third consecutive start after the team trailed 2-1 in the series, recorded 22 saves to earn his third playoff win.
“It’s special, it’s been a special year,” Bussi said to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan on the ice before the Cup celebration. “It’s been an honor to be part of this group—everyone deserves this so much.”
Nikolaj Ehlers sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 18:52 of the third period, marking his eighth playoff goal in his first season with Carolina.
The Hurricanes advanced through the Eastern Conference as the No. 1 seed, defeating the Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, and Montreal Canadiens en route to the Final.
“You never know this is going to happen,” Bussi added. “You just work hard, keep your head down, and good things will happen once in a while.”
Carolina center Jordan Staal, the team’s longest-tenured player, was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the postseason’s most valuable player.
“I’m so happy for these guys. It means so much to see their joy,” coach Rod Brind’Amour told Kaplan. “We stuck with what we had here. … This is such a great story for this team—I’m incredibly proud.”
Hall, who had played for six NHL teams prior to joining Carolina, reflected on finally capturing his first Stanley Cup.
“It’s incredible. I’ve been all over, but I felt at home here within days,” Hall said. “That’s a credit to Rod and the coaching staff. For the guys who’ve been here seven, eight years—I’m thrilled for them. This is an amazing group; I couldn’t have asked for more.”
Vegas, guided by coach John Tortorella—who was hired late in the regular season—had confidently declared after Game 5’s 4-2 loss that he would leave his clothes at the team hotel in North Carolina in anticipation of a return trip. That prediction fell short.
The Golden Knights were seeking their second championship in four seasons.
Also Read
- Carolina Hurricanes Secure Two-Year Contract for Nicolas Deslauriers Amid Stanley Cup Celebrations
- Father’s Day football: Which teams call Clemson’s Dabo Swinney daddy?
- Spain vs. Saudi Arabia: Insights, Predictions & Lineups for the FIFA World Cup Final
- Fans react as Matt Henry sizzles in New Zealand’s commanding win over England in the 2nd Test