Golden Knights need improved play from Eichel, Hart and special teams to beat the Hurricanes

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Golden Knights find themselves in the same spot as they were in the first two rounds of the NHL playoffs, and Vegas certainly would love for it to be the same outcome.

But the situations are notably different.

Vegas had home-ice advantage against Utah and Anaheim, winning both series in six games after they were each 2-2. Now the Golden Knights have to figure out a way to win two of the next three games in the Stanley Cup Final with the possibility that two will be at Carolina, including what would be a winner-take-all Game 7.

Game 5 is there Thursday night.

But the Golden Knights have more issues to confront against the Hurricanes than trying to sneak out a win in one of the NHL's most daunting atmospheres. Whether the Golden Knights address these issues will go a long way toward determining whether they hoist the Cup for the second time in four seasons or rue the missed opportunities of what could have been.

Jack Eichel has 20 points in the postseason, second only in the NHL to teammate Mitch Marner's 29.

But Eichel has scored just two goals in the playoffs and none in the past six games going back to the Western Conference Final against Colorado. He always has been a pass-first player, but even there Eichel has just two assists against the Hurricanes.

If it's true the stars have to be a team's best players in the playoffs, the Golden Knights badly need Eichel to get back on the scoresheet. He almost did in Tuesday night's 5-3 loss, hitting the puck just over the crossbar on what would have been the tying goal late in the third period. If that had gone in, Vegas might be heading to Carolina for a potential closeout game.

“I know Jack doesn’t have the goals,” Golden Knights coach John Tortorella said after the game. “He was close tonight. He had the game on his stick on the faceoff there, just missed, hit the crossbar, one-timer. I think they’re developing chances, but we do need to finish when we have some opportunities.”

It’s not all on goalie Carter Hart, who was lights out in the first three rounds. He has been the victim of numerous defensive breakdowns in front of him.

But it’s still hard to dispute the numbers.

Hart was 12-4 with a .924 save percentage and 2.22 goals-against average before the final. He was in the conversation for the Conn Smythe Trophy that goes to the top player in the postseason before allowing four goals in each of the first four games of the final.

Against the Hurricanes, he has an .861 save percentage and 3.60 GAA.

Hart has shined at times. His play in double overtime in Game 3 in which he turned back some dangerous chances was critical in helping the Golden Knights win. But Hart also has given up goals in bunches at times when his team could use at least one big save to minimize the damage.

And some help from the defense would be timely. The Golden Knights had just 12 blocked shots on Tuesday, tying their lowest this postseason.

“Just trust our system, trust each other to step up, block shots, make plays and win our battles,” center Colton Sissons said. “Hartsy will be there when we need him.”

Vegas entered the final converting on 23.9% of its power plays, part of a special teams unit that was largely responsible for winning the West. But against the Hurricanes, that number is 8.3%.

On one power play Tuesday, the Golden Knights spent a minute and a half in the offensive zone passing the puck looking for the perfect shot that never came. That did the Hurricanes' work for them.

It's the same on the penalty kill. Carolina entered this series by converting on 12.5% of is power plays, but that number is 36.4% against the Golden Knights.

What makes it even more surprising is the Golden Knights' penalty kill was humming before facing Carolina, working at an 87.5% clip and with a league-best four short-handed goals.

The Hurricanes technically had one power-play goal in Game 4, but another came right after time expired.

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Vegas Golden Knights' Carter Hart (79) knocks a puck away from the net as Golden Knights' Jack Eichel (9) and Carolina Hurricanes' Jalen Chatfield (5) battle during the second period of Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final series in Raleigh, N.C., Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)

Carolina Hurricanes' Nikolaj Ehlers (27) controls the puck while followed by Vegas Golden Knights' Jack Eichel (9) during the second period in Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final series in Raleigh, N.C., Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker)

SAINT-HYACINTHE, Quebec--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 10, 2026--

The Quebec councils of the Knights of Columbus, the world’s largest lay Catholic men’s organization, have raised more than $1.4 million as part of an annual fundraising effort, La Campagne des oeuvres charitables, the chapter’s largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the campaign will be directed to local and regional organizations and programs that provide much-needed support to people throughout the province. This includes distribution of new winter coats through the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids® program, and wheelchairs, as well as donations to local hospital foundations, food banks, Special Olympics Quebec and other programs that support those in need. Now in its 49th year, the campaign is conducted through the sale of raffle tickets distributed across the province by members of the Order in Quebec.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260610685664/en/

“We are overwhelmed by the interest and support of Quebecers for this noble annual appeal,” says Lorenzo Quirion, the provincial coordinator for the campaign. “Charity is at the heart of what the Knights do, and it’s what drives the success of this effort. In this case, we will use the funds to support those in need at home, but we continue to rally support through other campaigns in order to give back to communities around the world too.”

The Knights of Columbus held a special draw on April 11 during its Quebec State Convention at Le Victorin Hotel and Conference Centre in Victoriaville, Quebec. Prizes totaled $200,000 and were distributed to 15 winners.

Knights of Columbus is well known for its charitable works throughout Quebec and around the world. In 2025, members donated $197 million to charity and devoted 48 million hours to volunteer service worldwide. In Quebec, the Knights count more than 70,000 members spread across more than 600 councils and other local groups, who collectively, directed another $15.75 million in other financial and in-kind contributions to local causes.

“Like our members, our insurance professionals are driven to give of themselves to support those in need,” says Jean-Marc Le Bouthillier, General Agent for the Knights of Columbus in Montreal. “This spirit drives us to help members protect their loved ones through our insurance solutions, as well as anyone in our communities that we can help. We couldn’t be happier to support this fundraiser and look forward to next year’s campaign.”

Founded in 1882 and active in Canada since 1897, the Knights of Columbus offers life insurance products to its members and their families through a network of agencies that provides services to members in the region. In Quebec, the Knights are represented by Agency Le Bouthillier, Agency Angy Dion and Agency Duval who collectively cover the province of Quebec. A portion of proceeds from the insurance business of the Knights of Columbus is reinvested into the Order’s charitable efforts including its winter coats, build-a-bed and food for families programs. A more detailed list of the organization’s programs is available at chevaliersdecolomb.com and kofc.org.

Now in its 49th year, La Campagne des œuvres charitables of the Knights of Columbus of Quebec has raised over $1.4 million for local charities and other programs assisting people in need. Photo: Knights of Columbus.