First and foremost, congratulations to the New York Knicks on winning the NBA Finals. It's been a loooooooooong time since the Knickerbockers won the title (think 1973) and it's all thanks to the wonderful man known as Danhausen. Maybe he can curse the Seahawks next.
Anyways, the focus shifts back to the ice, where the Carolina Hurricanes look to close out the Stanley Cup Final on Sunday. Currently, they hold a 3-2 edge over the Vegas Golden Knights, thanks to superstars like Jordan Staal and Andrei Svechnikov. Suddenly, the mood has shifted in Las Vegas, going from pure bliss to despair.
What's a team to do with their backs against the wall? What are they going to do without one of their key Misfits in William Karlsson? Those questions will linger over the Golden Knights as the series heads to T-Mobile Arena for a do-or-die Game 6.
Still, the Golden Knights will need a game plan to keep their season alive. That involves five steps to ensuring that they're carrying this series out for another game. If they want a winner-take-all scenario, they must dig deep and follow these steps to the letter. Otherwise, you're watching the Hurricanes celebrate the Stanley Cup on your home ice.
1.) The penalty kill must be better
The Carolina Hurricanes have scored six power play goals in their last four games. They've gone on an absolute heater and have gotten clutch scoring, capitalizing on Vegas's mental mistakes. Obviously, you wish to take fewer penalties here. But clean exits and disrupting the play helps, too.
2.) Carter Hart must be better
Yes, I know that you've heard the dubious statistic being thrown around. Hart has allowed four or more goals in the first five Stanley Cup Final starts, making him the first NHL goaltender to do so. What better time to change all that than on Sunday with a big performance?
3.) Jack Eichel must score a goal or two
The Stanley Cup Final has seen Jack Eichel perform a disappearing act of sorts. He doesn't have a single goal and hasn't scored since Game 2 of the Western Conference Final. It's time for the franchise face to step up in the biggest moment and take the bull by the horns.
4.) Be patient with the Hurricanes goaltending
Let's say that Brandon Bussi starts for the Carolina Hurricanes. He's known to be aggressive in the net and bite on a few opportunities. If you saw Mark Stone's goal against Bussi, it was an act of resilience and patience. The Golden Knights must tap into that during Game 6 and not get trigger-happy.
5.) Play smart hockey and make the Hurricanes work for their zone time
The Carolina Hurricanes have done a great job of suppressing shots on the Golden Knights' end. However, high-danger chances are a different story, especially with the Golden Knights leading the NHL during the Stanley Cup playoffs (171). Vegas must capitalize on that and abuse their chances up close.
