NHL Player News

Hart allowed four goals on 24 shots in Thursday's 4-2 loss to the Hurricanes in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Hart has allowed four goals in each game in this series, and the Golden Knights' offense looks to be wilting under the pressure of having to out-score his mistakes. The 27-year-old took consecutive losses for the first time since the first round with Thursday's loss. He's down to 14-7 this postseason while adding a 2.59 GAA and a .907 save percentage in 21 appearances. Head coach John Tortorella showed no regret in sticking with Hart on Thursday, per Cory Lavalette of the North State Journal, calling an inquiry about a potential switch to Adin Hill a stupid question. That suggests Vegas is likely to ride with Hart in Game 6 on Sunday, pending a potential change in strategy in the next few days. Vegas is one of two teams to have won at least one round while also utilizing just one goalie this postseason.

Walker notched an assist and four hits in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Golden Knights in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Walker has been more of a defensive presence throughout the playoffs. This was his first point since Game 2 of the second round versus the Flyers. Walker has a total of three assists with 27 shots on net, 66 hits, 29 blocked shots, 16 PIM and a plus-9 rating over 18 postseason appearances in a top-four role.

Gostisbehere notched two power-play assists in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Golden Knights in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Gostisbehere's last five points, all helpers, have come with the man advantage. He had a hand in both of Andrei Svechnikov's tallies in Thursday's win. Gostisbehere is up to three goals, nine assists, 10 power-play points, 24 shots on net and a plus-2 rating over 18 playoff outings.

Ehlers notched three assists, including two on the power play, and added four PIM in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Golden Knights in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Ehlers had two penalties for putting the puck over the glass in this contest, but he more than made up for it with his generosity on offense. This was his second three-point game in a row, and he's up to eight points over five contests against Vegas. Throughout the postseason, he's produced seven goals, 10 helpers, 36 shots on net, 14 hits and a plus-8 rating across 17 appearances as a vital part of the Hurricanes' offense.

Staal scored a goal on three shots and added five hits in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Golden Knights in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Staal scored for the fifth game in a row, a span in which he has six goals and an assist. He's the fourth player in Stanley Cup Finals history to open the series with a five-game goal streak, and the first to do that since Jean Beliveau in 1956. The legendary run has Staal up to eight goals, four assists, 35 shots on net, 84 hits and a plus-6 rating over 18 playoff outings. While playoff points leader Mitch Marner could still prevail, Staal is making a late case to get his name on the Conn Smythe Trophy if the Hurricanes can win one more game.

Aho scored a goal on two shots in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Golden Knights in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Aho snapped a four-game goal drought with the second-period tally, which stood as the game-winner. He's picked up a goal and four assists in five outings versus Vegas in this series, so he's still done his part on offense as a facilitator. Overall, the top-line center is at five goals, 12 points, 36 shots, 25 hits and a plus-3 rating across 18 playoff appearances.

Svechnikov scored a pair of power-play goals and added two hits in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Golden Knights in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Svechnikov put the Hurricanes ahead with his second-period tally and added an insurance goal in the third. This was his first multi-point effort since Game 3 of the second round versus the Flyers. The winger is up to six goals, 11 points, 50 shots, 68 hits, 24 PIM and a minus-3 rating over 18 playoff outings. With members of the top line scoring three of the Hurricanes' four goals Thursday, Svechnikov's offense looks to be activated just in time to help close out the series.

Bussi stopped 23 of 25 shots in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Golden Knights in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Getting the start for the second game in a row, Bussi again delivered a winning performance. He's allowed six goals on 65 shots over his three appearances since taking over in relief of Frederik Andersen in Game 3. At this point, the crease looks to belong to Bussi, who will have two chances to get the last win necessary for the Hurricanes to claim their second championship. Game 6 is set for Sunday in Vegas.

Karlsson (arm) is unlikely to return to the Stanley Cup Finals after leaving Thursday's Game 5, Chris Johnston of The Athletic reports.

Head coach John Tortorella hinted that Karlsson would not return, though he didn't commit to it fully. That will force a significant shuffle in the lineup, as Karlsson had been occupying a second-line role. It's not yet clear who will step into the lineup for him in Sunday's must-win Game 6.

Karlsson left the Lenovo Center after sustaining an apparent arm injury in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Karlsson was injured on a hit by Sean Walker in the second period and appeared to be favoring his arm. With his departure from the arena, it's safe to assume Karlsson will not return to the game, and his status for Game 6 in Vegas on Sunday is in doubt. Should the center miss that contest, the Golden Knights have a number of options they could designate to fill Karlsson's second-line spot, including Tomas Hertl, Mitch Marner and Brett Howden. Brandon Saad, Reilly Smith or Braeden Bowman would be the top candidates to enter the lineup.