Vegas Falls to Carolina in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final — 2-4
The NHL final series will continue for at least a fifth game. Carolina goaltender Petr Kochetkov stopped 42 of 44 shots and was named the first star of the game.
Vegas fell to Carolina in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final — 2-4
Main Event
On the night of June 9, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final took place, ending with a road victory — the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2. This result evened the series: after three games, Vegas led 2-1, but now the score is 2-2, and the battle for the NHL's top trophy has become a best-of-three.
The game began with cautious probing: both teams understood the importance of this matchup. After a dramatic Game 3, in which Vegas managed to blow a 4-0 lead in the third period but still won in double overtime thanks to a goal by Shea Theodore, players from both teams approached Game 4 with maximum focus. The psychological edge seemed to be with Carolina — the Hurricanes proved they could come back from any deficit, and that confidence spread throughout the team.
Carolina dictated the pace, taking control from the opening minutes. The visitors played disciplined defense and were sharp on counterattacks, not allowing the hosts to find their rhythm. Vegas's defense, which had been exemplary at home in previous games, looked tired this time and often failed to keep up with Carolina's fast forwards. Mistakes in the neutral zone and penalties proved costly for the Knights — they not only lost the initiative but also gifted the opponent several scoring chances.
Carolina goaltender Petr Kochetkov, who replaced Frederik Andersen in the starting lineup after the Dane allowed 4 goals in a period in Game 3, played the game of his life. The Czech netminder stopped 42 of 44 shots, showing incredible reflexes and composure in the most tense moments. Kochetkov was named the first star of the game — his saves in the third period, when Vegas went all out in an attempt to rally, were key to the visitors' ultimate success.
Details and Statistics
Game 4 of the final series ended with a 4-2 score in favor of the Carolina Hurricanes. According to official statistics, the goal breakdown by period is as follows: in the first period, the teams traded goals (1-1); in the second, Carolina took the lead (2-1 for the visitors, overall 3-2); and in the third, the Hurricanes extended their advantage, adding another goal to seal the win.
The hero of the game was Carolina goaltender Petr Kochetkov. The Czech goalie, who was given the starting role this season after Frederik Andersen's poor performance in Game 3 (the Dane allowed 4 goals on 16 shots), handled his duties brilliantly. Kochetkov stopped 42 of 44 Vegas shots, a save percentage of 95.5% — an outstanding figure for a game of this level. In the third period, when Vegas pulled their goalie and mounted a full assault, the Czech held firm and did not allow the hosts to cut the deficit.
It is worth noting that Vegas fired 44 shots on goal — one of the team's highest totals in the current playoffs. However, all the Knights' attempts were thwarted by Kochetkov's solid play and the Hurricanes' selfless defense. The visitors, in turn, were more efficient: 4 goals on 28 shots (14.3% shooting percentage) versus 2 goals on 44 shots for the hosts (4.5%) — this difference in efficiency was the key factor in the victory.
For the Vegas Golden Knights, this loss was their second home defeat in the series (the score in Las Vegas is now 1-1) and the third consecutive game in which the team allowed at least 4 goals. The Knights' defense, once considered among the best in the league, is clearly struggling: the injury to Brayden McNabb, sustained in Game 2 when the defenseman took a puck to the face and left the ice, has seriously weakened the defensive ranks.
Mitch Marner, who recorded the fastest hat trick in Stanley Cup Final history in Game 3 (in 6 minutes and 10 seconds), was neutralized by the opponent in Game 4 and did not register a point. The Canadian forward, who leads the playoff scoring race with 28 points, was the focus of Carolina's defensemen and had almost no free space to create.
Context and Significance
Game 4 was a turning point in the final series, which had been unfolding in dramatic fashion. Game 1 ended with a 5-4 Vegas win. Game 2 was won by Carolina in overtime (4-3), completing a comeback from a 2-0 deficit in the third period — something only three teams had done in final history, the last being Montreal back in 1944. Game 3, held in Las Vegas, was a true thriller: Vegas led 4-0 after the second period, but Carolina scored three goals in 39 seconds to tie the game, forcing the hosts to play two overtimes, where Shea Theodore scored the winner.
Carolina's victory in Game 4 evened the series at 2-2, turning the final into a best-of-three. Historical context: teams that win Game 4 when trailing 2-1 go on to win the series 62% of the time. However, Vegas should not be counted out: the Knights have already proven their ability to win tough series — in 2023, they won their first Stanley Cup, defeating Florida in five games.
Special attention should be paid to Carolina's goaltending situation. Frederik Andersen, who started the series as the number one, faltered in Game 3, allowing 4 goals on 16 shots, and was replaced by Petr Kochetkov. The Czech goalie, whose name was little known to the general public before this, seized the opportunity and delivered a brilliant performance, stopping 42 of 44 shots. Now Carolina head coach Rod Brind'Amour faces a tough choice: keep Kochetkov in net for Game 5 or bring back the experienced Andersen.
For Vegas, this loss is a warning sign. The team is clearly tired after two overtimes in Game 3, and the Knights' defense, missing the injured Brayden McNabb, looks unconvincing. Goaltender Carter Hart, who started the series brilliantly (he posted a shutout in the third period in two consecutive games), allowed 4 goals in Game 4 and looked shaky. Vegas's coaching staff must find a way to neutralize Carolina's attack and restore their goalie's confidence.
What's Next / Preview of the Next Game
Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final will take place on the night of June 10-11, 2026 (Moscow time — June 11) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This game will be pivotal: the winner will have a 3-2 series lead and be one step away from the Stanley Cup. For Vegas, it's a chance to avenge their home loss and regain the lead; for Carolina, it's an opportunity to take the first lead in a final in franchise history.
The main intrigue of Game 5 is the goaltending question for both teams. For Carolina, Rod Brind'Amour must decide who will start: Petr Kochetkov, who played brilliantly in Game 4, or Frederik Andersen, an experienced veteran who made mistakes in Game 3. Based on the coaching staff's statements after the game, Kochetkov has a good chance of staying in net — "ride the hot goalie" is a popular hockey adage that may apply here.
For Vegas, the situation is different: Carter Hart, who began the series as the starting goalie, has allowed 8 goals in the last two games. Knights coach Bruce Cassidy may consider a goaltending change, but the team has no obvious alternative — backup Adin Hill has limited playoff experience. Most likely, Hart will get another chance to prove himself, but his position is under threat.
Another important factor will be the return of Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb, who missed the second half of Game 2 and Game 3 due to a facial injury from a puck hit. If the Canadian can take the ice in Game 5, it would significantly strengthen the Knights' defense and improve their penalty kill — a problem that has plagued the team in recent games.
Editorial Prediction
After four games of the final series, we can confidently say: we are witnessing one of the most dramatic finals in NHL history. Both teams show character, will to win, and the ability to turn the tide. However, we believe that Carolina currently holds a slight advantage.
First, the Hurricanes have shown they can win on the road — they did so convincingly in Las Vegas in Game 4, without relying on luck. Psychologically, Rod Brind'Amour's team appears more resilient: they have twice come back from 2-0 deficits in third periods (in Games 2 and 3) and did not break after the dramatic double-overtime loss in Game 3.
Second, Carolina's goaltending now looks at least as strong as Vegas's. Petr Kochetkov's emergence in net has given the team confidence, and if the Czech confirms his level in Game 5, the Hurricanes will have a significant edge. Meanwhile, Carter Hart of Vegas looks uncertain, and the Knights' coaching staff urgently needs to restore his mental stability.
Nevertheless, Vegas should not be underestimated. The team plays at home, where the T-Mobile Arena crowd creates an incredible atmosphere. In Game 3, the Knights proved they can win even after a total collapse in the third period. If the leaders — Mitch Marner, Jack Eichel, and Shea Theodore — can find their game, and the defense stops making costly mistakes, Vegas is fully capable of regaining the series lead.
Our prediction for Game 5: a narrow Vegas win, possibly in overtime. The series will become 3-2 in favor of the Knights, but the final will extend to at least Game 6 in Raleigh, where Carolina will have home-ice advantage. If the Hurricanes win Game 5, they have an 80% chance of winning the Stanley Cup in Game 6. The intrigue remains until the very end.
— Editorial Team
