LAS VEGAS, June 10 -- The goal that turned the Stanley Cup Final into a coin flip came from a 37-year-old captain stretched flat across the ice. With Game 4 tied in the third period, Jordan Staal lunged, left his feet, and swept the puck past Carter Hart, and the Carolina Hurricanes had the lead they would not give back in a 5-3 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night.

The series is even at two games apiece, heading back to Raleigh for Game 5 on Thursday. It was the first game of this Final decided by more than a goal, which says something about a series that has already produced a double-overtime classic and the fastest hat trick in the round's history.

Staal is the reason the night belongs in the sport's long memory. He has...