Vegas and Carolina rugged and rolling as they open a Stanley Cup Final nearly a decade in the making

The Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes are set to open the Stanley Cup Final, a milestone moment for both franchises. Vegas, founded nine years ago, is making their third Final appearance, having last won the Cup in 2023, while Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour has spent eight years building the Hurricanes into contenders after reaching the playoffs every year without making the Final. Game 1 was played on June 1, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina.