... Once he scored, his game kind of changed.
He's come through at a very important time and has given up some consistent minutes."
The Hurricanes had previously signed Hertl to a six-year contract averaging $8.5 million.
He demonstrated his value early by scoring 25 seconds into the game, marking the third fastest goal in the history of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, before executing a breakaway move to initially put Carolina ahead 2-0.
Special teams and goaltending proved problematic for Carolina.
The Hurricanes' power play, which entered the game operating at 12.5%, finished 0-for-2, while goaltender Frederik Andersen recorded a .
783 save percentage, down from his postseason average of . 932.
Vegas goaltender Carter Hart also finished below his playoff average of . 924, registering an .
852 save percentage during the high-scoring opening game.
