Carter Hart Dismisses Fan Chants Ahead of Stanley Cup Final Game 6

Vegas Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart will start Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final on Sunday night in Las Vegas. Hart described “no means no!” chants from Carolina Hurricanes fans as “just noise,” according to statements made Saturday following the team’s morning skate.

Why are Carolina Hurricanes fans chanting “no means no”?

The chants refer to a 2018 incident where Hart was one of five players on Canada’s under-20 world junior team accused of assaulting a woman after the Hockey Canada Foundation Gala. Hart was formally charged with one count of sexual assault on Jan. 30, 2024, which led to a leave of absence from the Philadelphia Flyers.

A judge acquitted the defendants last summer after finding that prosecutors did not meet the onus to convict on any counts. The NHL subsequently reinstated the players on Oct. 15, 2025, making them eligible to play starting Dec. 1.

Did You Know? Carter Hart is only the third goalie in NHL history to allow four or more goals in each of the first five games of a Stanley Cup Final.

How has Carter Hart performed in the Stanley Cup Final?

Hart has started all 21 games during the Golden Knights’ run to the Final. Against Carolina, he currently holds a 3.70 goals-against average and an .856 save percentage. This follows a 4-2 loss in Game 5.

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Coach John Tortorella has maintained his support for Hart, who also played for Tortorella with the Flyers. Tortorella stated Saturday that he believes “there’s a better game in him” and argued that the team must do a better job supporting the goaltender.

Defenseman Rasmus Andersson echoed this support, stating the team has “all the belief in the world” in Hart. Andersson noted that at this stage of the season, players cannot afford to read outside opinions.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Tortorella’s decision to stick with Hart over backup Adin Hill—who won the Cup in 2023—signals a high-stakes gamble on Hart’s playoff resilience over raw statistical performance in this series.

What happens next in the Stanley Cup Final?

The series moves to Las Vegas for Game 6 on Sunday night. Carolina currently leads the series 3-2, meaning they could win the Stanley Cup with a single victory.

A Vegas win would force a Game 7 in Raleigh. Hart’s ability to improve his save percentage may be a deciding factor in whether the Golden Knights can extend the series.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Carter Hart reinstated by the NHL?
The NHL reinstated Hart and four other players on Oct. 15, 2025, with eligibility to play beginning Dec. 1.

What are the terms of Carter Hart’s current contract?
Hart signed a two-year, $4 million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights.

What is the current series score between Vegas and Carolina?
The Carolina Hurricanes lead the series 3-2 heading into Game 6.

How do you think a goalie’s psychological resilience impacts a Game 6 performance?