Golden Knights’ Tomas Hertl deemed key to Stanley Cup Final by teammate

The Vegas Golden Knights came away with a massive win on Tuesday night in Game 1 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final. Shea Theodore got the Golden Knights started after falling behind 2-0 against the Carolina Hurricanes. But it was veteran Tomas Hertl who scored the game-winning goal late in the third to give his team the 1-0 series lead.

HOLY MOLY HERTL #StanleyCup

: ABC
: @Sportsnet & @TVASports pic.twitter.com/JiMNgozSAy

— NHL (@NHL) June 3, 2026

It was an incredible performance from the Western Conference champions, who have now won seven games in a row. It’s a special moment for Hertl, as the Golden Knights star had struggled earlier this postseason. After the game, one of his teammates pointed to the veteran forward as a vital part of their success.

“I know it was hard on him for a while but he was getting chances and they just weren’t going for him, that’s how it goes sometimes. We need him to keep going for us the rest of this series,” forward Colton Sissions told reporters on Tuesday night, via SinBin.vegas.

Hertl has made the Stanley Cup Final in the past, but that was 10 years ago. He scored 11 points in 20 playoff games for the San Jose Sharks to help them come within two wins of the Cup. Unfortunately, the Sharks lost that series to Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The veteran forward has not had the best run as of late, either. He has four goals in his last seven games. However, before his goal on May 10th, he hadn’t scored a goal since March 4th.

That is certainly a tough stretch for any player to go through. However, he is contributing when it matters most. And if he keeps going, he could be hoisting that elusive Stanley Cup in the near future.

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