Introduction

The Carolina Hurricanes have been a dominant force through the first two rounds of the NHL playoffs, dispatching the New Jersey Devils and Washington Capitals in just 10 games. However, the Eastern Conference finals have presented a formidable challenge in the form of the Florida Panthers, who are defending their 2024 Stanley Cup title with vigor. The Panthers have secured three consecutive wins, outscoring the Hurricanes 16-4 in the process.

Game 4 Preview

With the Hurricanes down 3-0, the question on everyone's mind is whether they can stage a historic comeback. Only four teams in Stanley Cup playoff history have overcome such a deficit in a best-of-seven series. The Panthers, on the other hand, are looking to secure their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance.

Key Matchup Notes

• Carolina Hurricanes at Florida Panthers
  • Game 4 | 8 p.m. ET | TNT
  • The Panthers are -5000 to win the series, while the Hurricanes are +1500, according to ESPN BET.
  • Florida is also the favorite to win the Stanley Cup at -110.
  • Sergei Bobrovsky leads the Conn Smythe Trophy candidates at +200.

Recent Performances

• The Panthers have scored at least five goals in four consecutive postseason games, a feat achieved by only three other teams in the past 30 years.
• Aleksander Barkov had two goals and an assist in Game 3, marking his 20th career multipoint playoff game.
• Defenseman Niko Mikkola scored two goals in Game 3, a rare achievement for a player with only three goals in 61 career playoff games.
• Evan Rodrigues became the sixth player in NHL history to register multiple assists in each of the first three games of a conference finals series.

Hurricanes' Struggles

The Hurricanes have lost 15 straight conference final-round games, extending their record for the most consecutive losses in this round. Their last win in a conference final-round game was on June 1, 2006.

Scoring Leaders

• Aleksander Barkov, C, Florida Panthers
  • GP: 15 | G: 6 | A: 9
• Seth Jarvis, C, Carolina Hurricanes
  • GP: 12 | G: 5 | A: 8

Conclusion

As Game 4 approaches, the Hurricanes must dig deep to avoid another sweep. The Panthers, however, are poised to continue their dominant run and secure their place in the Stanley Cup Final. Will history be made, or will the Panthers continue their reign?