How did the series stand after Game 3?

Series update after Golden Knights’ Game 3 win

Vegas won Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final 5-4 in double overtime over Carolina, and the result shifted the series to a 2-1 advantage for the Golden Knights.

The key turning point was that Carolina erased a four-goal deficit late in the game, pushing the matchup into overtime and then into a second overtime. Despite that historic swing, Vegas ultimately produced the deciding goal in the second extra session.

The overtime winner was scored by Shea Theodore at 5:38 of the second overtime, handing Vegas the 5-4 victory and ensuring Carolina did not complete a full reversal of fortune in the most critical moment.

This matters because the Stanley Cup Final is decided by series wins, and each game changes the pressure on the teams’ next adjustments. With Vegas up 2-1, the Golden Knights are one win closer to the title, while the Hurricanes are forced to regroup knowing they already proved they can score and compete at the highest level—even after falling behind by a large margin.

Just as importantly, Mitch Marner’s performance defined the earlier portion of the game. He recorded the fastest hat trick in Stanley Cup Final history during the second period, giving Vegas enough of a cushion to survive Carolina’s third-period rally.

Quick takeaway

• Golden Knights lead the series 2-1 after the 5-4 double-overtime win.
• Carolina’s comeback succeeded in forcing extra time, but the Hurricanes fell short when the game ended.