Three U.S. Hockey Stars Four Wins from Historic Double

Three American hockey players are four wins away from achieving something no one from their country has done in 46 years.

Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin of the Vegas Golden Knights, along with Jaccob Slavin of the Carolina Hurricanes, already have Olympic gold medals from February. Now they're battling each other in the Stanley Cup Final for the ultimate prize: becoming the first Americans since 1980 to win both in the same season.

"It'd be amazing of course," said Hanifin at Monday's media day in Raleigh, North Carolina. "Going through that experience, the Olympics, was special. Possibly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

The three players helped Team USA win its first Olympic gold in men's hockey since the Miracle on Ice in 1980. Eichel led the way with six points across six games, while Hanifin added three points and Slavin chipped in with an assist.

Coming back from the Olympics proved challenging for Vegas. The Golden Knights stumbled badly, going just 5-10-2 after the break and eventually firing coach Bruce Cassidy. But under new coach John Tortorella, they turned it around completely, finishing the regular season 7-0-1 and posting a 12-4 playoff record.

"For us, there were some bumps in the road but here we are," Eichel said. "Tons of credit to the guys in the room for sticking together and believing in ourselves."

Eichel already knows what hoisting the Cup feels like after winning with Vegas in 2023. But for Hanifin and Slavin, this represents their first shot at hockey's ultimate prize.

Why This Inspires

Slavin has spent all 11 seasons of his NHL career with Carolina after being drafted in the fourth round. His patience and dedication are finally paying off on the biggest stage. "To win it would be incredible," he said.

The story gets even better when you realize that no matter who wins, an American player will make history. One of these three athletes is guaranteed to join the exclusive club that's been closed since 1980.

Game 1 starts Tuesday night, and history is just four victories away.