Stanley Cup Playoffs Heat Up with Crucial Game 4 Showdowns

RALEIGH, N.C. — The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs witnessed intense action as teams faced crucial Game 4 matchups on Monday. The Carolina Hurricanes lead their series 2-1 against the Washington Capitals, while the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights also battle in tied series.

Carolina won Game 3 with a decisive shutout, marking their first playoff shutout victory since last year. With a 2-1 series lead, the Hurricanes are seen as favorites, holding -650 odds to advance further, while the Capitals sit at +425. Historically, the Hurricanes are 9-4 in best-of-seven series when leading 2-1, a statistic they hope to leverage in the upcoming game.

In Game 3, goalie Frederik Andersen delivered a stellar performance with 22 saves, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive strength. In contrast, Capitals goalie Darcy Kuemper faced a challenging night, allowing four goals—a higher total than his previous two games combined.

The other clash on Monday sees the Oilers host the Knights at Rogers Place. Following a dramatic Game 3 win by Vegas, the odds have tightened, with Edmonton at -250 and Vegas at +200. The winning goal for the Knights was scored in dramatic fashion, coming just 0.4 seconds before time expired, tying it for the latest regulation go-ahead goal in playoff history.

Oilers star player Connor McDavid will look to add to his career playoff goals, needing just one more to reach the 40-goal mark in his postseason career. Both teams aim to capitalize on their unique strengths as they prepare for a pivotal game.

Expectations run high as the series intensifies, with physical play becoming a hallmark of these matchups. As tempers flare, teams will need to maintain discipline while looking to secure their place in the playoffs. The pressure will be on the teams to deliver, especially for the Capitals and Golden Knights as they strive to avoid falling behind in their playoff quests.