Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina Hurricanes battle Golden Knights in Stanley Cup Final. A look at Game 1

By Robert Willett , Ethan Hyman and Travis Long
Carolina's Nikolaj Ehlers (27) celebrates with Jordan Martinook (48) after Ehlers scored in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Carolina's Nikolaj Ehlers (27) celebrates with Jordan Martinook (48) after Ehlers scored in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

The Carolina Hurricanes, fresh off of their Eastern Conference Championship, face the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Championship at Raleigh, N.C.’s Lenovo Center, Tuesday night June 2, 2026.

Check out photos from the tailgating and game action below. Check back after the game for more.

Follow this story for live updates of the game.

Carolina's Jordan Martinook (48) and Jordan Staal (11) celebrate with Nikolaj Ehlers (27) after he scored during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Carolina's Jordan Martinook (48) and Jordan Staal (11) celebrate with Nikolaj Ehlers (27) after he scored during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) celebrates with teammate Jordan Martinook (48) after scoring to take a 1-0 lead against Las Vegas in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
Carolina Hurricanes left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) celebrates with teammate Jordan Martinook (48) after scoring to take a 1-0 lead against Las Vegas in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) celebrates after scoring to take a 1-0 lead in the first period against Las Vegas,in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
Carolina Hurricanes left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) celebrates after scoring to take a 1-0 lead in the first period against Las Vegas,in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Carolina's Nikolaj Ehlers (27) scores on Vegas’ Carter Hart (79) in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Carolina's Nikolaj Ehlers (27) scores on Vegas’ Carter Hart (79) in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina's William Carrier (28) checks Vegas' Jeremy Lauzon (5) during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Carolina's William Carrier (28) checks Vegas' Jeremy Lauzon (5) during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina defenseman Jacoob Slavin (74) celebrates after a goal by Nikolaj Ehlers to take a 2-0 lead over Las Vegas in the first period in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
Carolina defenseman Jacoob Slavin (74) celebrates after a goal by Nikolaj Ehlers to take a 2-0 lead over Las Vegas in the first period in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Vegas’ Colton Sissons (10) checks Carolina's Seth Jarvis (24) during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Vegas’ Colton Sissons (10) checks Carolina's Seth Jarvis (24) during the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina's Sebastian Aho (20) goes after the puck in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Carolina's Sebastian Aho (20) goes after the puck in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina left wing William Carrier (28) checks Las Vegas defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (5) into the boards in the first period in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C.
Carolina left wing William Carrier (28) checks Las Vegas defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (5) into the boards in the first period in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Carolina's Shayne Gostisbehere (4) tries to block the pass by Vegas’ Brett Howden (21) in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Carolina's Shayne Gostisbehere (4) tries to block the pass by Vegas’ Brett Howden (21) in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina's Sebastian Aho (20) goes after the puck in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Carolina's Sebastian Aho (20) goes after the puck in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina's Sean Walker (26) and Vegas’ Cole Smith (22) go after the puck in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Carolina's Sean Walker (26) and Vegas’ Cole Smith (22) go after the puck in the first period of the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Fans go after a puck thrown into the crowd by Carolina's Jackson Blake (53) before the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Fans go after a puck thrown into the crowd by Carolina's Jackson Blake (53) before the Hurricanes’ game against the Golden Knights in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023.
Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023.
Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023.
Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023.
Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes fans tailgate in the parking lot at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023.
Carolina Hurricanes fans tailgate in the parking lot at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes fans tailgate in the parking lot at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023.
Carolina Hurricanes fans tailgate in the parking lot at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes fans tailgate in the parking lot at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023.
Carolina Hurricanes fans tailgate in the parking lot at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023.
Carolina Hurricanes fans get ready for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final outside the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Carolina Hurricanes fans tailgate in the parking lot at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023.
Carolina Hurricanes fans tailgate in the parking lot at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. For the first time since 2006, the Hurricanes are playing in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 8:24 PM.

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