The fourth game of the second round in the National Hockey League playoffs delivered another decisive moment at the Prudential Center in Newark, as the Carolina Hurricanes outplayed the New Jersey Devils with a 6-1 victory. The win solidified Carolina’s position in the series and showcased the team’s offensive depth and disciplined defensive play that has become a hallmark of their postseason run.
Carolina’s scoring frenzy featured a multi-point effort from Martin Necas, who found the net twice, along with goals from Brett Pesce, Jesper Fast, Brent Burns, and Jordan Martinook. The Devils were able to capitalize once with a goal from Jack Hughes, but it was not enough to stem the Hurricanes’ momentum, which built steadily as the game progressed. The Hurricanes demonstrated effective zone time, quick transitions, and relentless forechecking that disrupted New Jersey’s attempts to establish rhythm on offense.
With this result, Carolina climbed to a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Hurricanes now carry momentum into game five, which is scheduled to be hosted at the PNC Arena in Raleigh on the night of May 12. Fans in both cities will be watching closely as the series shifts back to North Carolina, where home-ice advantage could play a crucial role in determining who advances to the next round.
On the other side of the NHL landscape, the Colorado Avalanche, last season’s Stanley Cup champions, were eliminated earlier in the playoffs after a 4-3 loss to the Seattle Kraken in a dramatic first-round departure. The Avalanche had captured the championship the previous year by defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning, signaling a notable turnover in the league’s competitive dynamics and underscoring how quickly playoff fortunes can turn in hockey’s postseason landscape.
In a broader assessment of franchise futures, former Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris McFarland weighed in on Valery Nichushkin, the Russian forward who faced offseason uncertainty following a controversial decision during the playoffs. McFarland offered insights into Nichushkin’s value, potential role on future rosters, and how transitions at the executive level can influence a player’s trajectory and the team’s long-term strategic plans. The discussion highlighted how front-office decisions—ranging from contract stances to player development paths—shape the evolving composition of elite rosters in the NHL.