You know, I was going to write some glowing things about how Brett Howden followed through on the offensive side of things for the Golden Knights in Game 2. He had two goals in the game and nearly led the Golden Knights to a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Then, the third period happened. I know, the same third period that the Golden Knights normally thrived in was the one where they almost lost in regulation. Send your regards to Mark Stone for trying to save the game because Vegas ultimately blew it in overtime, 4-3.
Logan Stankoven, Mark Jankowski, and Eric Staal all had third-period goals for the Hurricanes. Mind you, that all happened in less than six minutes (or as long as people last in a Disney live-action remake). Of course, one of those was on the power play after John Tortorella unsuccessfully challenged a potential goal for no goaltender interference. In turn, it led to the go-ahead goal for Carolina.
Ultimately, Seth Jarvis scored the game-winner in overtime, tying the series at one game apiece. What looked like the perfect chance to put the foot on Carolina's throat slipped away as the Golden Knights squandered the game. Here's what else happened on a disappointing Thursday night in Raleigh.
Let's talk about the challenge that threw the momentum entirely in the Hurricanes' corner
Now, looking at the potential go-ahead goal for the Golden Knights, Vegas thought that it had the lead. The puck slid behind Frederik Andersen, only for the referee to immediately say no-goal. Of course, that also had a goaltender interference call, which was the ruling on the play.
That led to Tortorella unsuccessfully challenging the play, leading to Carolina cashing in on a go-ahead power play goal. As a result, the Hurricanes get momentum and Lenovo Center (and Disney) are going crazy.
Tortorella said he saw the puck loose under the goalie, and saw his player stab the puck into the net.
— Jesse Granger (@JesseGranger_) June 5, 2026
“I’d challenge it 10 out of 10 times.”
Make what you will of the challenge. But it completely swung the momentum out of Vegas's corner. In turn, it kept the Golden Knights shaken and the Hurricanes ultimately won the game. Keep an eye out for the moment, should the series suddenly turn south for the Golden Knights.
Brayden McNabb takes a brutal puck to the face
Not everything was rosy in Game 2, though. The Golden Knights saw Brayden McNabb take a puck to the face in the first period. The result was the Original Misfit leaving the arena to go to the hospital, leaving Vegas down a defender.
That's not great news for Vegas, especially after he had a great three-assist night in Game 1. The Golden Knights desperately need their back-end defenders throughout the series and the third period showed. Suddenly, the Lenovo Center is full of life and everyone is on their feet.
Here's hoping that McNabb has a speedy recovery and comes back on the ice soon. The Golden Knights just got every guy back on the ice and were playing at a higher level. Having your Original Misfit back in the fold will make things much easier for Vegas.
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