The 2026 Stanley Cup Final has had many ups and downs, but Carter Hart of the Vegas Golden Knights recently became part of an unwanted NHL record.

Even though Vegas is still fighting in the Stanley Cup Final against the Carolina Hurricanes, a new statistic shared on social media has created a lot of discussion among fans.

The Golden Knights and Hurricanes are tied 2-2 in the series. Vegas won Games 1 and 3, while Carolina won Games 2 and 4. Carolina’s latest 5-3 victory has brought more attention to Hart’s play during the first four games of the Final.

Carter Hart has allowed four or more goals in every game of the Stanley Cup Final so far. That is already a rare statistic, but it became even bigger news after Gino Hard shared it on X.

They posted that Hart became the first goalie in NHL history to give up four or more goals in each of the first four games of a Stanley Cup Final.

Even with that unwanted record, the series is still tied 2-2 going into an important Game 5. Because of that, many fans shared their opinions on social media, with some criticizing Hart and others supporting the Vegas Golden Knights goaltender

Fans split over Carter Hart's Stanley Cup Final struggles

Many fans quickly blamed Vegas’ defence rather than putting all the blame on Carter Hart; as one fan said, “Would be nice to have defense support.”

The comment suggested that the goalie has not received enough support from the players in front of him during the series. Others focused on what could happen in the next game if the Carolina Hurricanes get off to a strong start.

Another fan added, “The taunting in Game 5 will be relentless.” Some fans also questioned how the statistic was being presented, as one fan commented, “4 or 4 plus? One is correct, one isn’t.”

Some fans also pointed out that Hart is still one of the main reasons the Vegas Golden Knights are still fighting for the Stanley Cup.

“He’s also a big part why Vegas is in the Stanley Cup finals!!” one fan posted.” Another fan pointed to the bigger picture. “And yet the series is tied 2-2!”

The reactions showed that fans are divided on Carter Hart’s performances. However, the number does not tell the full story.

Hart has still been a key reason why the Vegas Golden Knights reached the Stanley Cup Final. In 20 playoff games this year, he has posted a 14-0 record, a 2.51 goals-against average, a .912 save percentage, and four shutouts.

The series is now a best-of-three battle, and all attention will turn to Game 5 on June 11. Hart will try to move past the unwanted record and help Vegas take control of the series again.

What do you think? Can Carter Hart silence his critics and deliver a big performance when the Vegas Golden Knights need him most? Comment down below. 

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi