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Sunday night’s NHL playoff action delivered more fireworks and intense drama across the board. The Carolina Hurricanes, Washington Capitals, St. Louis Blues, and Edmonton Oilers all claimed pivotal Game 4 victories to either seize control of their series or level the playing field. Check NHL live scores and betting updates on SportsHub.
Let’s dive into how each team asserted dominance — and what lies ahead as the postseason battles intensify.
Svechnikov’s Hat Trick Pushes Hurricanes to the Brink
Andrei Svechnikov etched his name into Carolina Hurricanes history again, recording a postseason hat trick to drive his team past the New Jersey Devils, 5-2. Remarkably, Svechnikov became the first player in franchise history — dating back to the Hartford Whalers — to post two playoff hat tricks.
His electric performance included goals just seconds into both the first and second periods, setting an aggressive tone the Devils never fully matched. He then sealed the night with an empty-netter late in the third. Find expert NHL betting picks now on SportsHub.
Adding to Carolina’s resilience was their response to losing goaltender Frederik Andersen, who exited early in the second period. Pyotr Kochetkov stepped in flawlessly, making 14 saves in relief and keeping New Jersey from pulling off a comeback.
New Jersey managed to close the gap briefly through goals from Nico Hischier and Timo Meier, but the Devils ultimately fell short as Jacob Markstrom struggled against relentless Carolina pressure.
Capitals Rally to Overtake Canadiens in Montreal
The Washington Capitals continued their impressive playoff march with a 5-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens, moving them one step closer to advancing.
Andrew Mangiapane’s late-game heroics broke a 2-2 tie, delivering a brilliant wrist shot off a feed from Dylan Strome. The Capitals added two empty-netters to seal the victory and deflate Montreal’s hopes. Stay updated with NHL expert service plays at SportsHub.
“We’ve talked about playing with poise all series,” Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said. “Tonight was a perfect example of that.”
Juraj Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield provided early hope for the Canadiens, each finding the back of the net. However, costly turnovers and missed assignments plagued Montreal throughout the third period, allowing the Capitals to seize momentum when it mattered most.
Blues Crush Jets to Square the Series
Backed by Jake Neighbours’ three-point night, the St. Louis Blues dominated the Winnipeg Jets with a 5-1 victory, tying their series at 2-2.
Neighbours scored his first career playoff goal and assisted on two others, leading a Blues attack that punished Winnipeg’s defensive lapses. Brayden Schenn, Robert Thomas, Tyler Tucker, and Justin Faulk also chipped in with goals. Get full hockey service plays and leaderboard stats at SportsHub.
Meanwhile, Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck endured another brutal outing, pulled for a second straight game after allowing five goals on 18 shots. His playoff save percentage has plummeted, raising serious concerns for Winnipeg heading into a critical Game 5.
“We talked about setting the tone early, and that’s exactly what we did,” Neighbours said after the game.
The Blues’ balanced offensive attack and sharp goaltending from Jordan Binnington (30 saves) now give them a serious chance at pulling off the series upset.
Oilers Edge Kings in Overtime Thriller
Leon Draisaitl capped a sensational four-point performance with his first-ever playoff overtime goal, lifting the Edmonton Oilers to a thrilling 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Kings.
The Oilers roared back from a two-goal deficit in the third period, with Evan Bouchard scoring twice and Corey Perry adding another tally. For live NHL odds and Stanley Cup futures, visit SportsHub.
Connor McDavid quietly orchestrated the comeback with two assists, showcasing his elite playmaking in clutch moments. Calvin Pickard was stellar in net, making 38 saves.
Despite goals from Trevor Moore, Warren Foegele, and Kevin Fiala, the Kings suffered another late-game collapse — their third blown third-period lead of the series.
“We have to finish stronger,” Kings head coach Jim Hiller said postgame. “We had the game where we wanted it, but let them slip through. It’s on us.”
Game 5 now promises to be a war of attrition as both teams look to wrest control of the series in a matchup that’s been nothing short of epic.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Series Heat Up
With pivotal Game 5 matchups looming, the dynamics across the NHL playoff landscape have dramatically shifted:
- Carolina Hurricanes: A chance to close out the Devils at home and move one step closer to the Stanley Cup Finals.
- Washington Capitals: Eyeing a series clincher after dominating late in Montreal.
- St. Louis Blues: Armed with momentum, they now believe they can oust the favored Jets.
- Edmonton Oilers: Carrying the momentum of an emotional overtime win back to Los Angeles.
For NHL fans and bettors alike, SportsHub remains the top destination for real-time NHL betting odds, expert picks, and Stanley Cup playoff coverage.
SportsHub: Your Home for All NHL Playoff Action
Don’t miss a minute of the action. Whether you’re tracking the latest NHL scores and odds, searching for top-value hockey betting packages, or analyzing sharp computer picks, SportsHub provides everything needed for hardcore fans and serious bettors.
