Canes' Jordan Staal makes Stanley Cup Final history by extending goal streak

Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (11) celebrates after scoring during the first period against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at Lenovo Center. James Guillory-Imagn Images

Canes' Jordan Staal makes Stanley Cup Final history by extending goal streak

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Jun 11, 2026 9:53 PM ET

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It took Jordan Staal 17 years to get back to the Stanley Cup Final, and he's been making the most of an opportunity to win his second ring.

In addition to being the captain and leader of the Carolina Hurricanes, Staal has made history during a postseason career resurgence.

On Thursday night early, Staal scored Carolina's first goal of a pivotal Game 5 against the Vegas Golden Knights. And by doing so, he increased his scoring streak to five games.

Jordan Staal made NHL history 53 years in the making

Staal became only the fifth player in NHL history to record a goal streak of five games or more in a Stanley Cup Final, joining the likes of Cyclone Taylor (1918), Maurice Richard (1951), Jean Beliveau (1956) and Yvan Cournoyer (1973).

Staal's historic tally was also his sixth of the series after entering the Stanley Cup Final with only two goals throughout the first three rounds of the playoffs.

GUESS WHO!?

Jordan Staal evens it up with his SIXTH goal of the Stanley Cup Final!

: ABC, @Sportsnet, & @TVASports pic.twitter.com/njyOISxuj6
— NHL (@NHL) June 12, 2026

JORDAN STAAL SCORES AGAIN

The captain now has a five-game goal streak to begin the #StanleyCup Final!

: ABC
: @Sportsnet & @TVASports pic.twitter.com/IY3XDsecxw
— NHL (@NHL) June 12, 2026

Before the playoffs, Staal enjoyed his best regular season in a decade

While few would've predicted Staal to achieve NHL history 53 years in the making, he did reach 20 goals for the first time in a decade during the regular season. He put up 20 goals and 16 assists for 36 points in 75 games.

Staal's streak has even tied the longest stretch of his career.

But at this point in his career, it's all about the postseason for the 20-year veteran. His production has matched his desire to win again, too.

Staal now has 46 goals and 85 points in 180 career playoff games.

At 37, Staal has put together the most productive postseason of his career. He scored just four goals with nine points as a role player when he won the Stanley Cup to cap off his third season in 2009.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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