Jordan Staal scored two goals, including the go-ahead goal in the third period, lifting the Carolina Hurricanes to a 5-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday in Las Vegas [1, 2, 3]. The win evened the best-of-seven series at 2-2.
Staal, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound forward, became the first player in 44 years to score at least one goal in each of the first four games of the Stanley Cup Final [1, 2, 3]. Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour rested starting goalie Frederik Andersen, opting instead for Brandon Bussi, who made 18 saves in the win [1]. "Let [Andersen] rest. Give him as many days here as we can," Brind’Amour said [1].
Nikolaj Ehlers contributed a goal and two assists for Carolina, while Jackson Blake and Logan Stankoven each added a goal [1, 2, 3]. Vegas goals came from Mark Stone, William Karlsson, and Brett Howden. Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart made 23 saves in the loss [1, 2].
Vegas coach John Tortorella singled out Staal’s presence around the net as a problem for his team. "He’s killing us in front of the net. We’ve got to do a better job around the blue (ice). He’s a big man. He’s a good player. That’s where he lives. We’ve got to do a better job," Tortorella said [2].
Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final is scheduled for Thursday night at the Hurricanes’ home arena in Carolina [1, 3].
