Monday night delivered more thrilling action in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The action began in Carolina, where the Hurricanes defeated the Washington Capitals 5-2 in Game 4 on home ice. Taylor Hall led the way for the Hurricanes with a goal and an assist, netting the game-winning goal in the third period. Carolina controlled the game throughout and now holds a dominant 3-1 series advantage.
Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers also took a 3-1 series lead, shutting out the Golden Knights 3-0 in Game 4. Adam Henrique was a key offensive contributor with two goals, supported by a 24-save shutout performance from goaltender Stuart Skinner.
Following another exciting night of playoff hockey, here`s a look at three standout performances from Monday`s contests.
3. Taylor Hall (Hurricanes)
Initially seen as a secondary piece in the trade that brought Mikko Rantanen to Carolina, Taylor Hall emerged as a decisive factor in a critical Hurricanes victory. His performance puts the team one win shy of reaching the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in four years.
Holding a narrow 2-1 lead in the third period, Carolina benefited when Jack Roslovic sent a long pass to Hall. Hall fired a shot past Capitals goalie Logan Thompson for the game-winning goal. Just over four minutes later, he further influenced the game by assisting defenseman Sean Walker`s goal. Although not the pure scorer he once was, Hall demonstrated significant playmaking skill and game impact on Monday.
2. Evander Kane (Oilers)
After sitting out the entire regular season with injuries, Evander Kane is making a crucial impact for the Oilers in the playoffs. In Monday`s win, he recorded a goal and an assist, alongside delivering six hits.
Early in the first period (13:03 mark), Kane contributed a secondary assist by helping free the puck for Adam Henrique`s opening goal. In the second period, he extended Edmonton`s lead, finishing a rush after taking a pass from Connor McDavid and beating Golden Knights goalie Adin Hill. Beyond his offensive stats, Kane brought significant physicality and energy, effectively agitating the opponent. This was a classic Evander Kane playoff performance.
1. Adam Henrique (Oilers)
Adam Henrique, playing centre, exemplified the Oilers` depth stepping up offensively on Monday. He scored the first two goals for Edmonton in their decisive Game 4 victory, setting the tone for the win.
This was Henrique`s first multi-goal playoff game since Game 7 of the first round in 2012 against the Florida Panthers. He wasted no time impacting Monday`s game, scoring just 1:27 in after Connor Brown won the puck and found him open for a one-timer. His second goal came from a scramble in front, initiated by Kane. Henrique`s line was highly productive, contributing three goals and two assists total. His veteran playoff experience was evident and his contribution could be vital as the Oilers pursue a return to the Stanley Cup Final.
