Stanley Cup Final Game 5 Fantasy Lineup Leans

With only one game on the slate, every decision in your fantasy lineup for Game 5 between the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes is magnified. Top-line usage for Jack Eichel and Sebastian Aho, plus a surprising goalie matchup between Carter Hart and Brandon Bussi, will drive most fantasy outcomes. Here’s how to handle today’s start/sit calls, PP1 exposure, and goalie confidence in every common format.

What’s New & Why It Matters

Game 5 brings a relatively stable forward core but a notable wrinkle in net. Vegas is expected to roll with Hart as their starting goalie, while Carolina turns to Bussi with Frederik Andersen unavailable. That shifts the risk profile for anyone leaning on Hurricanes skaters or chasing goalie volume from their side.

Up front, Eichel remains locked in as Vegas’ top-line center and primary offensive driver. His role all but guarantees heavy minutes at even strength and on the first power-play unit, making him one of the safest plays on the slate. On the other side, Aho continues to anchor Carolina’s top line and is expected to be their main source of offense, especially with the team needing to solve Hart and generate more high-danger chances.

With Andersen out, Carolina’s entire defensive game plan tilts slightly more aggressive: they need goals, and they’re backing a projected starter in Bussi rather than their usual workhorse. That combination can lead to more shot volume both ways, raising the ceiling for Aho and Eichel while also making the goalie decisions more volatile for fantasy managers.

Fantasy Implications

Points-Only

In points-only formats, you’re chasing raw scoring and power-play exposure. Eichel is a near-automatic start. As Vegas’ top-line center and key offensive piece, his combination of ice time, puck touches, and PP1 usage gives him the highest floor and ceiling among skaters in this game. Even if Carolina keys in on him defensively, his involvement in almost everything Vegas does with the puck makes him a must-play.

Aho is right behind him in priority. As Carolina’s top-line center and expected primary point producer, he should see heavy minutes in all situations, including the first power-play unit. With Bussi in net for Carolina, the Hurricanes may lean even more on Aho to generate offense early to avoid chasing the game. That urgency boosts his shot and assist upside, which is exactly what you want in a single-game points format.

On the goalie side, Hart is the safer points-only start. Vegas is favored on paper, and Hart is described as a solid option in net, which usually translates to a better chance at a win and decent ratios. Bussi is more of a high-variance play: he’s projected to start and could steal a win, but his floor is lower given the matchup and his less-established role.

Categories / Bangers

In multi-category leagues, your decisions hinge on volume and category coverage. Eichel remains a premium start because his top-line and PP1 role should translate into plenty of shot attempts and opportunities for power-play points. Even if he doesn’t find the back of the net, he’s likely to contribute in shots and possibly plus/minus if Vegas controls play.

Aho is a strong start in categories as well. His top-line deployment and expected production mean he should contribute in goals, assists, and shots, with some potential for special-teams scoring. If Carolina plays from behind, Aho’s ice time and shot volume could spike, which is a plus for managers chasing counting stats.

In net, categories managers should lean toward Hart for wins and ratios. He’s expected to start for Vegas and is framed as a solid option, which is exactly what you want when chasing wins and save percentage. Bussi, however, is a viable stream if you’re desperate for goalie volume or chasing a potential upset win. He’s projected to start, so you’re at least getting the opportunity for saves and a possible victory, but be prepared for the risk of weaker ratios if Vegas’ offense breaks through.

With only one game, there aren’t many peripheral specialists to target, so your banger categories (hits, blocks, PIM) will mostly be a byproduct of your core skaters rather than something you can specifically stream for tonight.

Dynasty / Keeper

For dynasty and keeper formats, today’s game is more about confirming roles than chasing short-term spikes. Eichel’s continued usage as Vegas’ top-line center and offensive focal point reinforces his long-term elite profile. His heavy involvement in all offensive situations keeps him entrenched as a cornerstone asset in any long-term build.

Aho’s status as Carolina’s top-line center and main point producer is equally secure. Seeing him leaned on in a high-leverage Cup Final game underscores the organization’s trust in him, which is exactly what you want from a long-term fantasy anchor.

In goal, Hart’s role as the expected starter for Vegas in a pivotal game is a positive signal for his longer-term value. Being trusted in this spot suggests he’s viewed as a reliable option, which matters for dynasty managers evaluating whether to hold or buy. Bussi, meanwhile, is more of a speculative piece. The fact that he’s projected to start in such a critical game indicates the organization is at least willing to give him meaningful opportunities. That makes him a name to monitor as a potential future tandem or 1B option, especially in deeper keeper formats where goalie pipelines are thin.

Who to Add / Stream / Watch

Jack Eichel – Add/Start (all formats): Locked-in top-line and PP1 usage for Vegas makes him the safest and highest-upside skater play tonight.
Sebastian Aho – Start (all formats): Carolina’s top offensive option with heavy minutes and prime scoring opportunities in a must-win environment.
Carter Hart – Start (points-only & categories): Expected starter for Vegas with a strong chance at a win and stable ratios in this matchup.
Brandon Bussi – Short-term stream (categories & deep leagues): Projected starter for Carolina who can provide volume and an outside shot at a win if you need goalie starts.
Vegas PP1 skaters – Watchlist: Anyone attached to Eichel on the first power play gains sneaky value from increased scoring chances against a less-established Hurricanes goalie.
Carolina PP1 skaters – Watchlist: Skaters riding shotgun with Aho on the top unit are viable one-night darts if you’re chasing power-play points.

Fantasy Takeaways

Eichel is a priority start in every format thanks to his top-line role and central place in Vegas’ offense.
Aho should be locked into lineups as Carolina’s main scoring threat with heavy usage in all situations.
Hart is the preferred goalie play, offering the best blend of win equity and ratio stability for Game 5.
Bussi is a viable one-night stream if you need goalie volume, but carries more risk than Hart.
With Andersen out, both teams’ top power-play units gain extra importance as the most efficient path to fantasy points tonight.

Source: NHL.com. See the original for full details.