Vegas takes series lead
Golden Knights edge Hurricanes 5-4 in overtime thriller, take 2-1 series lead
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The Vegas Golden Knights survived one of the most dramatic collapses in Stanley Cup Final history, beating the Carolina Hurricanes 5–4 in double overtime on June 6 to take a 2–1 series lead New York Times. Vegas blew a 4–0 third-period lead before Shea Theodore scored the winner at 12:26 AM to seal a wild night at T-Mobile Arena Review Journal.
The game featured a Stanley Cup Final record hat trick by Mitch Marner, a historic 39-second three-goal burst by Carolina, and the gutsy return of defenseman Brayden McNabb — who took an 87.3 mph slap shot to the face in Game 2 and showed up wearing a full cage WUSA9.
Marner Breaks 107-Year Record in One Period
The second period belonged entirely to Mitch Marner. He scored three goals in just 6 minutes and 10 seconds, setting a Stanley Cup Final record for the fastest natural hat trick New York Times. He also added an assist, giving him 4 points in a single period — tying another record. The hat trick broke a mark held since 1919 by Frank Foyston of the Seattle Metropolitans.
Marner, who faced years of criticism for playoff struggles in Toronto, has become the Conn Smythe frontrunner with Vegas. "I can't do it by myself," he said after the game. "All five guys have been on a great page" Review Journal.
Carolina Scores Three Goals in 39 Seconds to Tie
The Hurricanes refused to quit. Carolina scored three goals in just 39 seconds in the third period — the fastest three-goal flurry by one team in Cup Final history Yahoo Sports. Jordan Martinook, Taylor Hall, and Jordan Staal each found the net to cut the lead to 4–3, then Andrei Svechnikov scored on a power play at 18:18 to tie it 4–4.
The rally started after Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour pulled starter Frederik Andersen for backup Brandon Bussi. Bussi also stopped Marner on a penalty shot earlier in the period, a save that sparked the comeback New York Times. "The way the games have played out, it certainly has added to the stress on the coaches," Brind'Amour said. "But it's also very enjoyable."
Carolina's Coaching Challenges Nearly Changed Everything
Before Marner's outburst, Brind'Amour made two bold coaching challenges in the first four minutes of the second period. Both worked. A Mark Stone goal was overturned for offside at 0:36, then a Jack Eichel goal was wiped out for goaltender interference Review Journal. Two successful challenges in under four minutes kept the score at 0–0 and gave Carolina momentum.
Analysts called Brind'Amour's use of the rulebook masterful. He had previously warned coaches against challenging on incidental contact calls, making the double success even more striking. Vegas head coach John Tortorella brushed off the near-collapse after the win. "We're good. We're ready to play," he said. "I like our team, where we're at" New York Times.
McNabb Returns, Theodore Wins It in Double Overtime
One of the night's biggest stories was Brayden McNabb suiting up at all. He was hospitalized after taking an 87.3 mph shot to the face in Game 2. He came back wearing a full cage and led all Vegas skaters in ice time WUSA9. His return kept Vegas's top defensive pairing intact at a critical moment in the series.
Shea Theodore ended the marathon at 12:26 AM with a point shot that deflected off the end boards and Bussi's pad to give Vegas the 5–4 win Yahoo Sports. Historically, teams with a 2–1 Final lead win the championship 80.7% of the time — 46 of 57 instances. Game 4 is next, with Carolina facing a tough decision between Andersen and Bussi in goal.
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