Did you know that teams that win Game 5 when tied 2-2 go on to win the Stanley Cup 74% of the time? Of course, Vegas Golden Knights fans will point to when John Tortorella was in this situation in the 2004 Stanley Cup Final. Remember when the Tampa Bay Lightning won in double overtime in Game 6 and took the next game?
Fans will also point to the 2009 Detroit Red Wings as a shining example. They found themselves up 3-2 after blowing out the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 5, 5-0. However, a pair of 2-1 losses followed, marking the arrival of Sidney Crosby, Marc-Andre Fleury (and his legendary Game 7 performance), and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
A lot on the line in Game 5 😳#StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/2dF4BnPj9P
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) June 12, 2026
Still, these examples are a couple of cases of what could go right for the Golden Knights. 74% is basically better than a blizzard hitting in Pokémon, meaning that the Golden Knights are in a rough spot.
That's especially true with the strong possibility of not having William Karlsson around. The Original Misfit suffered what appeared to be a wrist injury in Game 5's loss. Now, they don't have an excellent two-way center who can defend the Golden Knights in front of Carter Hart. Perhaps getting Fleury from that Game 7 in the 2009 Stanley Cup Final will help?
That's where the Golden Knights must figure out what to do for Game 6. Perhaps going with Adin Hill instead of a tired Hart will help? Maybe shifting Tomas Hertl back to center will be the antidote? Whatever the case, the Golden Knights need someone to step up to rewrite history. Mind you, it's been a while since the Hurricanes have lost back-to-back games.
If not? Well, you're going to hear Disney gush about Brandon Bussi's parents some more. You're going to hear Sean McDonagh fawn all over Jordan Staal and his penchant for scoring big-time goals. Golden Knights fans don't want that, so it's time to make the world hate you again.
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