Golden Knights Defenseman Brayden McNabb Suffers Facial Injury
Las Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb was hospitalized Thursday after sustaining a puck to the face during Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The incident occurred during the Carolina Hurricanes’ overtime victory in Raleigh.
The veteran defenseman was struck by an 87 mph slap shot from Carolina’s Nikolaj Ehlers midway through the first period. Despite wearing a visor, the puck reportedly found a gap and hit McNabb along his forehead. The 6-foot-4 player immediately fell to the ice and quickly made his way to the bench, visibly affected and holding his nose.
Team officials later confirmed McNabb was transported to the hospital for further evaluation. His potential absence for Game 3 on Saturday in Las Vegas could lead to Ben Hutton or Kaedan Korczak entering the lineup.
Hurricanes Mount Comeback in Thrilling Overtime Victory
McNabb’s injury coincided with a dramatic shift in momentum for the Golden Knights, who surrendered a 2-0 lead in the third period, ultimately losing 4-3 in overtime. Seth Jarvis scored the game-winning goal for the Hurricanes on a power play.
The third period was marked by a rapid exchange of goals, including one disallowed for goaltender interference. For the first 45 minutes of the game, the Hurricanes struggled to generate offense, falling behind as the Golden Knights executed effectively on scoring chances and maintained a strong defensive posture.
A pair of energetic shifts in the offensive zone late in the third period ignited the home crowd. Logan Stankoven initiated the comeback with a strong individual effort, stealing the puck, driving to the net, and scoring off a rebound with just under 9:40 remaining in regulation. Less than three minutes later, Mark Jankowski tied the game, a reversal of fortunes from Game 1 where Vegas overcame a deficit.
Carolina regained the lead with 4:35 left on a power-play redirection by captain Jordan Staal, assisted by Shayne Gostisbehere. This marked their eighth power-play goal of the playoffs.
Controversial Goaltender Interference Call
The Hurricanes’ go-ahead goal came just 25 seconds after the Golden Knights had the puck in the net. A scramble in front of the crease saw Frederik Andersen make an initial save, but the puck eventually crossed the line. Referee Jean Hebert immediately waved off the goal, citing goaltender interference, as Andersen was reportedly pushed into the net.
Following a review, the on-ice officials, in consultation with the NHL’s situation room, upheld the initial call. This decision led to a power play for the Hurricanes, which Staal capitalized on.
After Mark Stone equalized for Vegas with 1:21 remaining in regulation, forcing overtime, Tomas Hertl tripped Staal, returning Carolina to the power play. It was during this advantage that Jarvis secured the victory for the Hurricanes.
