People said that the Stanley Cup Final would be all sorts of boring. The haters were critical of the Vegas Golden Knights for... reasons. They also dunked on the Carolina Hurricanes because they listened to Don Cherry one too many times.
Regardless, the ratings were in and 4.78 million people (!) watched a thrilling Game 1. They witnessed Mitch Marner block a shot and prevent a game-tying goal. They also had an equally chaotic Game 2 on Thursday, seeing a Hurricanes team shock the world.
That Game 2 would probably make this iteration of the "Round-Up" much more depressing. After all, you want to win every game that comes across you, even if it's nearly impossible. Still, let's keep everything light and positive since Vegas did steal Game 1 on the road.
Here's a look at everything that went down during the Stanley Cup Final week. You will see some interesting rumors, a Misfit taking a gruesome injury, and even some controversy in Game 2. Here's hoping that next week involves the Golden Knights hoisting Lord Stanley!
Brayden McNabb takes a gnarly puck right off the face in Game 2
Vegas Golden Knights fans weren't greeted to the best possible sight in Game 2's overtime loss. They witnessed something horrific and gruesome in the first period involving an 87 MPH puck to the face. The victim? None other than Brayden McNabb.
A scary moment here as Brayden McNabb takes an 87 mph one timer to the face.
— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) June 5, 2026
🎥: Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/f6tdvsKyYg
Time will tell how this affect the Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final. But you have to feel for the Original Misfit, who's put his body on the line throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs. The end result? He gets battered and bruised every time.
The Golden Knights lose to the Carolina Hurricanes in a controversial Game 2
The funny thing about Brayden McNabb's injury is that it wasn't the most noteworthy part of Game 2. The Carolina Hurricanes came back and won with a third-period blitz that ended on a Seth Jarvis game-winner. Still, that also wasn't the most noteworthy part of Thursday's game.
Instead, it came in the form of John Tortorella challenging a goaltender interference call. The challenge failed and the Hurricanes cashed in on the ensuing power play goal. Will that impact the series in any way? Time will tell. But Golden Knights fans aren't too happy with the referees who made that call.
Dylan Larkin is linked to the Vegas Golden Knights, per David Pagnotta
Dylan Larkin dropped an absolute nuke on the NHL world this week by requesting a trade from the Detroit Red Wings. The news shocked the world and sent a wave of potential suitors flying in. David Pagnotta linked the Vegas Golden Knights to the Olympic gold medalist because of his connections with Jack Eichel.
While that sounds nice and all, some caveats remain. That includes high draft picks and looming contract extensions, making this tough to swing. Still, one should never discount Kelly McCrimmon for his deal-making abilities, especially if he wants to upgrade the roster.
