Carolina Hurricanes not wasting any time, score on first shot of Stanley Cup Final The Carolina Hurricanes began Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final with an immediate advantage, scoring on their first shot of the series thanks to Nikolaj Ehlers. Despite a later fortunate bounce for the Vegas Golden Knights, the Hurricanes maintained a lead. This quick start highlights Carolina’s strategy of structure and fast beginnings, as they aim for a championship after a dominant Eastern Conference run.

• Carolina Hurricanes scored on the very first shot of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
• Nikolaj Ehlers scored twice in the first period for the Hurricanes.
• Jalen Chatfield assisted on both of Ehlers’ goals.
• Vegas Golden Knights conceded a goal on the first shot, a worst-case scenario for them.
• Shea Theodore scored for the Golden Knights on a lucky bounce, cutting the lead to 2-1.
• Carolina reached the Cup Final after sweeping the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers, and defeating the Montreal Canadiens in five games.
• Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday in Raleigh, followed by Games 3 and 4 in Las Vegas.