Carolina Hurricane players congratulate goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) after eliminating the Montreal Canadiens in game 5 of the Stanley Cup Eastern Finals in Raleigh Carolina on Fri May 29, 2026 (AP News photo)

NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast Mary Lisa:

#1 Can Carolina’s dominant playoff defense slow down Vegas’ balanced attack?

#2 The Hurricanes have lost only one playoff game and have been one of the stingiest defensive teams in the postseason, while Vegas enters the Final on a six-game winning streak after sweeping Colorado. Which goaltender will make the bigger impact in Game 1?

#3 Carolina’s Frederik Andersen has been outstanding throughout the playoffs, while Vegas has received strong play from Carter Hart during its run to the Final. Will Vegas benefit from extra rest, or will the layoff create rust?

#4 The Golden Knights finished their conference final days before Carolina clinched its berth, giving Vegas more recovery time but also a longer break from game action. Can Carolina capitalize on home-ice advantage early in the series?

#5 Because Carolina finished with the better regular-season record, the Hurricanes host Games 1 and 2. Establishing control at home could set the tone for the entire Final. Which star player will seize the spotlight in the Stanley Cup Final opener? Will it be Vegas captain Mark Stone and center Jack Eichel, or Carolina leaders such as Jordan Staal and Taylor Hall who drive their team to an early series lead?

Mary Lisa is an NHL podcast analyst at http://www.sportsradioservice.com