TJ Oshie credits Golden Knights for flipping the ‘script’ on Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes won 12 of their first 13 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with their only loss coming after a 12-day layoff, so a two-goal lead should normally be a death sentence for their opponent. But the Vegas Golden Knights are not most opponents. They do not get rattled by pressure or early struggles, as illustrated by their 5-4 comeback victory over the Eastern Conference champions in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Down 2-0 after a pair of Nikolaj Ehlers goals in the first period, the Golden Knights picked themselves up and captured momentum after a Shea Theodore one-timer almost 13 and a half minutes into the action. Vegas took the lead in the second and then went back and forth with Carolina before finally pulling ahead for good thanks to Tomas Hertl.

The game-winning goal, which came at the 3:24 mark, gives the Knights home ice advantage for the time being. It might also set the tone for the series. John Tortorella has done a great job of galvanizing this squad since taking over as head coach in late March, and on Tuesday night, Vegas displayed the exact intensity and perseverance it needed to overcome the aggressive Hurricanes.

“You mention Carolina not usually having to come from behind…. Vegas flipped the script on them tonight,” 2018 Stanley Cup champion and former Washington Capitals and St. Louis Blues forward TJ Oshie told ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt after Game 1.”

"You mention Carolina not usually having to come from behind. … Vegas flipped the script on them tonight."@TJOshie77 reacts to the Vegas Golden Knights' Game 1 win vs. the Carolina Hurricanes pic.twitter.com/zCnJhoQ6kV

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 3, 2026

While it was early, overcoming a two-goal deficit versus a team that tends to win the possession battle and out-shoot its opponents is a daunting task, to say the least. The Golden Knights were able to quickly neutralize what should have been an overwhelming Hurricanes advantage and put forth their own flurry of offense. They exude the toughness, skill and championship experience required to thrive in such a situation.

That last quality is something that is lacking in Carolina. Perhaps this stinging defeat in Raleigh’s Lenovo Center will be the wake-up call it needs. Rod Brind’Amour and the Canes will adjust for Game 2, but Vegas has already shown that it can do the same.

Game 2 is on Thursday at approximately 8 p.m. ET.

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