A star forward’s first playoff run with the Vegas Golden Knights ended in heartbreak as the team fell to the Carolina Hurricanes in a hard-fought six-game series, denying them a Stanley Cup victory. The loss marked a pivotal moment in the franchise’s history, leaving fans and players to reflect on a season filled with promise and near-miss glory. With high expectations and a roster built for contention, the Golden Knights’ early exit raises questions about their ability to sustain momentum in the postseason. The defeat underscores the brutal unpredictability of hockey’s playoffs, where one series can define a team’s legacy.

Mitch Marner came so close to the Stanley Cup in his first season with the Vegas Golden Knights, losing to the Carolina Hurricanes in six games in the 2026 Stanley Cup ...