Hurricanes-Golden Knights, Game 2, Stanley Cup Final live updates
Enough talk, already. Since losing the opening game of the Stanley Cup Final to the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, the Carolina Hurricanes have studied video, analyzed mistakes, met to discuss the power play, zone breakouts and the need for better puck management.
Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour has had his say. Players have been asked their opinions.
It’s on to Game 2 on Thursday at 8 p.m. at Lenovo Center. The Golden Knights’ 5-4 victory Tuesday in the opener had shifted the pressure to the Canes to avoid a 0-2 start at home.
Only five teams in playoff history have won the Cup after losing the first two games on home ice — the Boston Bruins in 2011 being the last to do it.
“There were some hiccups for sure in our game last game, and, you know, we’re still right there,” and Canes captain Jordan Staal said after Thursday’s morning skate. “It’s going to have to be our best to give us a chance. It’s about trusting yourself and what got you here.
“It’s a big game, there’s no question, and 1-1 sounds a lot better than down two. So we have to bring our best, no matter what, and that’s just to give us a good chance. It’s got to be everyone.” The Canes took a 2-0 lead in Game 1 as Nikolaj Ehlers scored twice in the first period couldn’t hold it or add to it.
The plan Thursday?
“Just have a good start like we did last game and stay on the gas and do everything right and be structurally detailed and focused,” defenseman Jalen Chatfield said after the skate.
Like father, like son
It has taken Canes winger Jackson Blake just two years to match his father for NHL career playoff games. The game Thursday was to be Blake’s 30th.
Blake’s father, Jason, was a forward who played 13 NHL seasons and 871 regular-season games. He played 21 playoff games with the Islanders, six with Anaheim and three with the LA Kings.
Jackson said his dad was attending the playoff games, saying, “He’s loving every bit of it for sure. He’s having fun. It’s been super special to enjoy it together.”
Blake’s real focus was on winning Game 2 and evening the series. That’s something father and son would enjoy.
“I think we’ll have a big bounce back game,” he said. “I believe in our group.”
Chatfield family grows
Win or lose the Cup, Canes defenseman Jalen Chatfield will have many memories from the 2026 playoffs and none more meaningful than after Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final against Montreal.
Chatfield did not know that his wife, Drew, had gone into labor during the game. He was told during the Prince of Wales Trophy presentation at Lenovo Center, after the Canes won.
“Thankfully it worked out perfectly and I didn’t have to miss the birth or anything,” Chatfield said Wednesday. “About 7:30, she went to the hospital. She texted (team official Mike Brown) and said‘, Don’t tell him ‘til after the game.’ So I had no distractions.
“It worked out perfectly. I was able to get a police escort and get there with a couple of hours to spare before he was born. So it was perfect.”
The Chatfields have two sons: Krew, born in July 2023, and Rhodes.
Providing meals
The Carolina Hurricanes Foundation on Thursday announced the team will provide 150,000 meals through a $50,000 grant to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina’s Stop Summer Hunger initiative, as part of the Hurricanes’ special playoff grant initiative.
The effort provides healthy meals and snacks for local families with children during the summer months when school breakfast and lunch aren’t available.
The foundation has presented a donation to a deserving nonprofit during each round of the 2026 NHL playoffs, with the total now $200,000 bringing their total playoff donation.
