Overview
- The Vegas Golden Knights hold a 2-1 lead in the Stanley Cup Final and will host Game 4 on Tuesday in Las Vegas after three one-goal games that included two overtimes.
- Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour says he has decided his Game 4 starter but will not disclose the pick, and the team used Monday's practice with Frederik Andersen on a maintenance day while Brandon Bussi took most starter reps.
- In Saturday's double-overtime Game 3 Andersen was pulled after a four-goal second period, Bussi stopped 18 of 19 shots in relief including a penalty-shot save, Mitch Marner recorded a hat trick, and Shea Theodore scored the winner.
- Lineup uncertainty remains as William Carrier practiced and is hopeful to play after leaving Game 3 injured, while Vegas missed Noah Hanifin and Brayden McNabb at Monday practice, creating open questions about both teams' defenses.
- Alex Nylander's overtime goal sent the Toronto Marlies to the Calder Cup Final, and with historical data showing teams that jump to a 3-1 Cup Final lead usually close the series, Carolina's starter call could have outsized consequences for both clubs.