9:15 p.m. ET
Here’s the latest on Brayden McNabb — who was drilled in the face by a slapshot in the first period. He did not come out to start the second period.
The second period has started, the fans are trying to urge on the Hurricanes, who trail 1-0.
I mentioned Toto in my previous post and it made me recall the DJ at our media party on Wednesday night in Raleigh.
He played nothing by 70s and 80s pop songs, and I was in absolute heaven.
I also realized how old I am as I had to tell some of the NHL.com crew some of the songs.
NHL.com International Matt Cubeta had to ask me who sang “Down Under.” I was stunned. That’s an easy one.
But then I pulled out my vast, but useless name that tune knowledge when I recognized Cliff Richards’ “It’s So Funny Why We Don’t Talk Anymore” within two notes, and also got “Moonlight, Feels Right” by Starbuck in one note.
I did get schooled by Mike Zeisberger, who’s Canadian, when he flagged “Turn Me Loose” by Loverboy right away.
As the second period begins, here are some nuggets from the NHLStats crew.
Brett Howden scored his 12th goal of the postseason – now in sole possession of second place in Vegas history and one shy of the club record – and second of the 2026 Final.
Brett Howden (9 G in 10 road GP) became the 13th player in NHL history to score at least nine goals through his team’s first 10 road games of a postseason (or fewer). The others to do so since the start of the 1990s: Sam Bennett (9 in 2025 w/ FLA), Jonathan Marchessault (9 in 2023 w/ VGK), Leon Draisaitl (9 in 2023 w/ EDM; 6 GP), Mark Scheifele (11 in 2018 w/ WPG; 8 GP), Sidney Crosby (10 in 2009 w/ PIT), Pavel Datsyuk (9 in 2008 w/ DET), Claude Lemieux (9 in 1995 w/ NJD) and Kevin Stevens (9 in 1991 w/ PIT).
This is the first time since Game 4 of the Second Round that Carolina has allowed the first goal against and just the third time this postseason it has happened (also Game 2 vs. PHI). The Hurricanes won both previous contests and have won six in a row when allowing the first goal dating to March 20.