NHL Stanley Cup Finals Game 5 Preview: Vegas Golden Knights (2-2) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (2-2)

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PNC Arena — Raleigh, North Carolina

2026 Eastern Conference Finals — Series Tied 2–2

Venue Information

PNC Arena 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC

  • Capacity: ~19,000
  • Hurricanes are 5–2 at home this postseason
  • One of the loudest playoff atmospheres in the league
  • Carolina has outscored opponents +9 at home during the playoffs

Injury Report

Vegas Golden Knights

  • Jack Eichel — Probable (upper body; played full minutes in Game 4)
  • Mark Stone — Probable (back management)
  • Shea Theodore — OUT (knee)
  • William Carrier — OUT (lower body)
  • Logan Thompson — Probable (illness)

Carolina Hurricanes

  • Sebastian Aho — Probable (wrist)
  • Andrei Svechnikov — OUT (ACL recovery)
  • Brent Burns — Probable (maintenance)
  • Frederik Andersen — OUT (concussion protocol)
  • Martin Necas — Probable (ankle)

Team Records & Recent Form

Vegas Golden Knights

  • Playoff Record: 10–7
  • Last 5 Games: 3–2
  • Game 4: Won 4–2 at home
  • Trend:
    • Eichel and Stone driving offense
    • Power play improving (3-for-8 last two games)
    • Defensive structure tightened after Game 2 collapse
    • Goaltending stabilizing with Thompson back

Carolina Hurricanes

  • Playoff Record: 11–6
  • Last 5 Games: 2–3
  • Game 4: Lost 4–2 in Vegas
  • Trend:
    • Home ice has been their strength
    • Aho and Necas producing but depth scoring inconsistent
    • Penalty kill remains elite (89%)
    • Goaltending split between Kochetkov and Raanta

Series History (2026 Conference Finals)

  • Game 1: CAR 3–2 (OT)
  • Game 2: CAR 5–3
  • Game 3: VGK 3–1
  • Game 4: VGK 4–2
  • Series: Tied 2–2

Key Notes:

  • Vegas has outscored Carolina 7–3 over the last two games
  • Carolina is 6–1 in their last 7 home playoff games vs Western opponents
  • Vegas is 4–1 in their last 5 Game 5 appearances

Key Player Matchups

Jack Eichel (VGK) vs Sebastian Aho (CAR)

  • Eichel: 6 goals, 11 assists this postseason
  • Aho: 8 goals, 7 assists
  • Both drive transition and PP entries Advantage: Even — both are elite right now

Mark Stone (VGK) vs Brent Burns (CAR)

  • Stone’s two‑way dominance vs Burns’ physicality and shot volume
  • Stone has 5 points in last 3 games Advantage: Vegas

Logan Thompson (VGK) vs Pyotr Kochetkov (CAR)

  • Thompson: .915 SV% since returning
  • Kochetkov: .902 SV% this postseason
  • Carolina’s goaltending has been inconsistent Advantage: Vegas

Vegas Forecheck vs Carolina Speed

  • Vegas has slowed Carolina’s rush chances dramatically
  • Hurricanes need more from Necas, Jarvis, and Kotkaniemi Advantage: Vegas (recent trend)

Betting Trends

Vegas Golden Knights

  • 5–2 ATS in last 7
  • Under is 4–2 in last 6
  • 6–1 in last 7 when scoring first
  • 7–3 in last 10 playoff road games

Carolina Hurricanes

  • 5–2 in last 7 home games
  • Under is 5–3 in last 8
  • 8–1 in last 9 when outshooting opponent
  • 4–1 in last 5 Game 5 home appearances

Game Odds

Vegas Golden Knights                    6

Carolina Hurricanes                        – 154

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, June 10, 2026

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