Jordan Staal scored while lying on his stomach at 6:32 of the third period, giving Carolina a 5-3 win over Vegas and tying Stanley Cup Final at 2‑2. The goal snapped a run of one‑goal games; it was the first Final not decided by a margin. Staal became the first player in 44 years to net a goal in each of the first four games.

Backup netminder Brandon Bussi replaced Frederik Andersen and made 18 saves, allowing Carolina to pull even. Nikolaj Ehlers added an empty‑netter and two assists, while Jackson Blake and Logan Stankoven each contributed a goal for the team. Vegas answered with goals from Mark Stone, William Karlsson and Brett Howden, and Carter Hart recorded 23 saves despite four high‑danger chances.

With the series knotted at two wins each, Game 5 shifts to Raleigh, giving the Hurricanes a chance to clinch their first Cup in two decades on home ice. The Golden Knights, chasing a second title in four years, will need to rebound from the 5-3 loss. Game 5 will likely decide which club captures the championship.