Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights live updates: Stanley Cup Final 2026 Game 4 start time, picks and predictions

Hello hockey fans and welcome back to The Athletic’s live coverage of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final!

Today we’re back in Las Vegas for Game 4, and frankly I don’t know how it will be able to top an instant-classic Game 3. After Carolina’s furious third-period comeback from down four goals to force overtime, a bizarre kicked-in goal from backup Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi off the stick of Shea Theodore won it for Vegas in the second overtime period.

It was a bitter end to a phenomenal performance for Bussi, whose play in the third period and overtime in relief of Frederik Andersen in goal was one of the main reasons Carolina even had a chance.

So with all that said, not only do we not know what Game 4 has in store tonight, we also don’t even know who the Hurricanes’ starting goalkeeper is in a must-win for Carolina.

Which is why you simply must follow along throughout our coverage tonight as we bring you all the latest news, play-by-play updates and real-time reaction and analysis from The Athletic’s NHL staff!