Golden Knights’ Brayden McNabb exits Game 2 of Stanley Cup Final after taking slap shot to face

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Golden Knights’ Brayden McNabb exits Game 2 of Stanley Cup Final after taking slap shot to face

McNabb was struck by a Nikolaj Ehlers shot through traffic at 10:52 and fell to the ice in front of goaltender Carter Hart. Bruce Bennett / Getty Images

RALEIGH, N.C. — Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb left Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday night after taking a puck to the face during the first period against the Carolina Hurricanes. He did not return to the game.

McNabb was struck by a Nikolaj Ehlers one-timer through traffic at the 10:52 mark of the period and fell to the ice in front of Vegas goaltender Carter Hart. Players from both teams immediately stopped playing and motioned toward the bench for help.

Asked about McNabb’s status after the game, Golden Knights coach John Tortorella said he hadn’t spoken with Vegas’ medical team.

Brayden McNabb immediately heads down the tunnel after taking a shot up high. pic.twitter.com/4obaaglqp9

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 5, 2026

McNabb was able to regain his feet and skate off under his power, dropping his gloves and covering his nose and mouth area with a bare hand. He was met by a member of the team’s training staff on the way to the dressing room.

“Yeah, it’s terrifying,” teammate Mitch Marner said. “I’m going to try to check on him after here, and hopefully he’s all good. He’s a warrior. He’s done so many great things for us. It’s a big miss whenever he’s out of the lineup for sure. But our five D did a great job tonight. I thought they were moving the puck well, had some extended shifts where they couldn’t get off and they just battled through.”

The veteran defenseman had three assists in the series-opening 5-4 win on Tuesday night – the first time in a 1,005-game career he accomplished that feat. Without McNabb for most of Game 2, the Golden Knights held a 2-0 lead in the third period but lost 4-3 in overtime.

Jun 5, 2026