Hurricanes Keep Stanley Cup Hopes Alive with Game 4 Win

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating the Florida Panthers 3-0 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final on Monday night. With this win, the Hurricanes avoided a sweep and cut Florida’s series lead to 3-1.

This victory marked the Hurricanes’ first win in the Eastern Conference finals since 2006, ending a 15-game losing streak in the round. The game took place at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.

Frederik Andersen returned as Carolina’s starting goalie and made 20 saves for his fifth career playoff shutout. “We made hard plays and kept them off the good scoring chances,” said Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho. The win allowed the Hurricanes to regain momentum as they prepare for Game 5 on Wednesday.

The lone goal of the game came from rookie Logan Stankoven, who scored in the second period after receiving a precise pass from Alexander Nikishin. Aho and Jordan Staal contributed with empty-net goals in the final minutes to seal the victory.

Florida was missing key players due to injuries, including Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola, and A.J. Greer. Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 25 shots, but the absence of critical players left his team limited in offensive opportunities.

<p“Their goaltending was good, and we need to find ways to create more chances,” said Bobrovsky after the game. “But they played a good game, so it is what it is.”

Looking ahead to Game 5, the Hurricanes are determined to build on their Game 4 performance. “We have to keep the momentum going,” said Aho. “It’s going to be a tough game, but we’ve shown we can execute when it matters.”