Tuesday brings a change of pace in the Stanley Cup playoffs, featuring just one game instead of the usual two.
The Dallas Stars are set to host the Winnipeg Jets in Game 4 of their series. This matchup will determine the representative from the Central Division in the Western Conference Finals. The Stars currently hold a 2-1 lead in the series.
Here`s a preview of the upcoming game, along with a summary of Monday`s playoff action and recognition of the day`s standout players.
Matchup Notes
Winnipeg Jets at Dallas Stars
Game 4
Dallas is considered the favorite to win the series, with odds indicating a significant advantage over Winnipeg. The Stars are also currently listed as the overall favorite to win the Stanley Cup.
For Winnipeg, forward Kyle Connor has recorded 13 points through 10 games, placing him fifth in franchise history for points in a single postseason run. He trails four players from the 2018 playoffs.
Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck continues to show a notable difference in performance between home and road games this postseason. He has a strong record and statistics when playing at home but has struggled when on the road.
Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger is approaching a career milestone. His next playoff victory will tie or surpass notable American-born goaltenders on the all-time playoff wins list.
Monday`s Three Stars
1. Stuart Skinner
G, Edmonton Oilers
Skinner posted his second career postseason shutout, stopping all 23 shots faced. He is now one of only six Oilers goaltenders to record multiple shutouts in the playoffs.
2. Adam Henrique
C, Edmonton Oilers
The veteran forward had the second multi-goal game of his playoff career, providing crucial offense for Edmonton.
3. Sean Walker
D, Carolina Hurricanes
Walker contributed two points, including his first ever playoff goal in his 22nd postseason game, helping seal the win for Carolina.
Monday`s Recaps
Carolina Hurricanes 5, Washington Capitals 2
Carolina leads series 3-1
Carolina delivered another strong performance in Game 4, moving within one win of the Eastern Conference Finals. Early goals from Shayne Gostisbehere and Seth Jarvis built a lead. Washington briefly threatened in the third period with goals from Jakob Chychrun and Alex Ovechkin to make it a one-goal game, but Taylor Hall, Sean Walker, and Andrei Svechnikov scored late to secure the Hurricanes` victory and a commanding 3-1 series lead.
Edmonton Oilers 3, Vegas Golden Knights 0
Edmonton leads series 3-1
Adam Henrique scored twice to lead the Oilers, who are now just one win away from the Western Conference Finals. Evander Kane also added a goal. Stuart Skinner was outstanding in net, stopping all 23 shots to earn a shutout. The win pushes the Golden Knights to the brink of elimination.
