The Vegas Golden Knights enter Game 4 of the NHL‘s Stanley Cup Final holding a 2-1 series lead over the Carolina Hurricanes. However, Edmonton Oilers legend Mark Messier believes the series is far from decided.
Speaking on ESPN, the six-time Stanley Cup champion pushed back against the idea that Vegas has full control despite winning two of the first three games.
“Well, I think they can. I’m not sure they will,” Messier said when asked if Carolina could even the series. “I think this series is gonna go six or seven games, to be honest with you.”
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Vegas has been the stronger team for stretches, but the margins have been razor-thin. The Golden Knights won Game 1 by a single goal and survived a dramatic double-overtime battle in Game 3 after nearly blowing a 4-0 lead. Carolina’s resilience has convinced Messier that the Hurricanes remain a legitimate threat.
“I think Vegas is a tough place to play,” Messier said. “Every time you think Vegas is really starting to take control of the series, somehow or another, Carolina comes off the mat there to challenge it.
“This is gonna be a tough game for Carolina to win. I think for Vegas, they’re gonna know Carolina’s gonna throw everything they have at them tonight. They have to win the game tonight to stay in the series.”
Hurricanes’ belief remains Vegas’ biggest concern
The warning from Messier centers less on tactics and more on mentality. Carolina has repeatedly shown an ability to recover from adversity throughout the series.
Game 3 offered the clearest example. Trailing 4-0 in the third period, the Hurricanes scored three goals in a record 39 seconds and eventually forced overtime before falling 5-4 on Shea Theodore’s double-overtime winner.
“Carolina’s not done yet,” Messier said. “They truly believe they are a Stanley Cup-winning team. They truly believe they can win this year.
“And when you’ve got two teams with that same belief system, same drive, same determination, that’s why we are getting the kind of hockey we’re getting right now.”
That confidence matters. Vegas has scored 13 goals through three games and received historic production from Mitch Marner, who recorded the fastest hat trick in Stanley Cup Final history. Yet defensive lapses continue to leave the door open.
The teams have combined for 25 goals through three games, the highest total in a Final at this stage since 1981. Every game has featured blown multi-goal leads, highlighting how little separates the clubs.
Hurricanes will fight to avoid a 3-1 deficit against Golden Knights
Messier acknowledged that a 3-1 deficit would be difficult for Carolina to overcome.
“History will tell you teams coming back from a 3-1 deficit doesn’t happen all that often,” he said.
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Still, his overall message was clear. Vegas may lead the series, but it has not broken Carolina’s belief. In a Final defined by momentum swings, that remains a dangerous reality for the Golden Knights.
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