With the 2026 Stanley Cup Final deadlocked at 2-2, former NHL star T.J. Oshie has made his pick for who will emerge from one of the most unpredictable championship series in recent memory.
Appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Oshie was asked who he sees winning the Cup as the series between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights shifts into a best-of-three battle.
“All series, I would have said it’s Vegas,” Oshie said. “Carolina has really shown me that they’re just not going to go away.”
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The respect stems from experience. Oshie faced Carolina during Washington’s playoff run in 2019 and sees similarities between that Hurricanes team and the current version led by Rod Brind’Amour.
“They were absolute pests out there,” Oshie said. “And this is a team very similar to that style. Rod Brind’Amour was the coach. Except for this team, so much better.”
Despite Carolina’s resilience, Oshie remains on the Vegas side.
“For now, I am going to stay Golden Knights,” Oshie added. “But I would say the Carolina Hurricanes have earned so much respect from me. I think the Golden Knights can fix up a little of the mistakes they did last game, letting that puck get to the interior of the ice. And Torts is going to make sure he gets on them for it.”
Why T.J. Oshie’s prediction could hold up?
Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) during the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Oshie’s view aligns with what the series has shown through four games. Vegas has often controlled long stretches, particularly in second periods where it has outscored Carolina 9-1. However, the Golden Knights have struggled to close games and contain pressure around their net.
Game 4 highlighted that issue. Carolina erased another deficit and earned a 5-3 victory behind Jordan Staal’s historic scoring streak and rookie goaltender Brandon Bussi’s surprising Stanley Cup Final debut.
The Hurricanes’ greatest strength remains their identity. They pressure relentlessly, roll four lines and maintain energy deep into games. Oshie pointed to that trait when discussing Carolina’s ability to keep fighting back.
“Carolina’s never-give-up, never-quit,” McAfee said. “Brind’Amour’s got those boys in shape too, because I think he’s doing all the cardio with them still. Not that Torts is not doing it, but that’s a crazy stat.”
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The series may come down to structure versus momentum. Vegas still possesses more elite offensive finishers and greater playoff experience. Carolina, meanwhile, has consistently tilted games through depth, forechecking pressure and conditioning.
If the Golden Knights tighten their defensive coverage and revive a struggling power play, Oshie’s prediction could hold up. If not, Carolina’s relentless style may finally carry the Hurricanes to their first Stanley Cup since 2006.
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