LAS VEGAS — Carolina captain Jordan Staal opted for a straightforward mindset entering Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final with the Hurricanes facing a deficit in the best-of-seven matchup.
However, the veteran’s decisive goal on Tuesday evening was far from straightforward. Though given his performance throughout this series against Vegas, maybe it shouldn’t come as a surprise.
During a 3-3 deadlock in the third period, Staal delivered a diving backhand shot while airborne that sailed past Vegas goaltender Carter Hart with 13:29 remaining on the clock, marking his second goal of the night and securing the winning score in Carolina’s 5-3 triumph.
The series now stands even at 2-2 and shifts back to Carolina for Game 5 this Thursday.
With five goals through the series, Staal achieved a milestone not reached since New York Islanders’ Mike Bossy in 1982 by finding the net in each of the final’s opening four contests.
The captain also matched the franchise’s second-longest postseason scoring streak, trailing only teammate Logan Stankoven, who established the record at five games during this playoff run.
Staal has accumulated 11 points throughout these playoffs, with seven coming from goals.
