NHL Playoffs 2025: Critical Game 4 Showdowns

The Washington Capitals and Vegas Golden Knights are at pivotal moments in their respective series as they head into Game 4 of the NHL Playoffs. Both teams are trailing 2-1 and must secure a win to keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive.

Washington Capitals at Carolina Hurricanes

• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Broadcast: TNT

The Carolina Hurricanes have taken a 2-1 series lead and are now heavy favorites at -650 to advance. The Capitals, on the other hand, are underdogs at +425. Carolina’s Frederik Andersen delivered a stellar performance in Game 3, securing his fourth career playoff shutout. Andrei Svechnikov continues to shine with six goals this postseason, a feat achieved only 17 times in Hurricanes/Whalers history.

Vegas Golden Knights at Edmonton Oilers

• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
• Broadcast: TNT

The Edmonton Oilers remain favorites at -250, but the Golden Knights are not out of the race at +200. Reilly Smith’s last-second goal in Game 3 tied for the latest go-ahead goal in Stanley Cup playoff history. Jack Eichel is on a six-game assist streak, matching the Golden Knights' postseason record. Meanwhile, Connor McDavid has reached 40 career playoff goals, joining an elite group of Oilers players.

Three Stars from Sunday’s Games

1. Florida Panthers: Dominated the Maple Leafs with a 2-0 win, showcasing their defensive prowess.
2. Mikko Rantanen (Dallas Stars): Recorded a goal and two assists, marking his fifth three-point game this postseason.
3. Sergei Bobrovsky (Florida Panthers): Secured a shutout with 22 saves, his fifth in playoff history.

Sunday’s Game Recaps

• Dallas Stars 5, Winnipeg Jets 2: The Stars took a 2-1 series lead with a strong third-period performance.
• Florida Panthers 2, Toronto Maple Leafs 0: The series is now tied 2-2, setting up a thrilling Game 5.

As the pressure mounts, both the Capitals and Golden Knights must deliver in Game 4 to keep their Stanley Cup dreams alive. Will they rise to the occasion?