The Carolina Hurricanes have pushed the Montreal Canadiens to the edge of elimination, seizing a commanding 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Final and moving within a single victory of the Stanley Cup Final.
What happened
Carolina now controls the series, holding three separate chances to close it out and advance. The lead extends the momentum the Hurricanes built with their Game 3 win in Montreal that swung the series in its favor. Montreal, meanwhile, faces a must-win situation in every remaining game.
Why it matters
A 3-1 series edge is historically difficult to overcome, leaving Montreal's season on the ropes. For Carolina, a close-out would cap a deep playoff run and deliver the franchise to the doorstep of the Cup. The Hurricanes need only one more win to finish the job.
What to watch next
Game 5 looms as Carolina's first opportunity to clinch a berth in the Stanley Cup Final. Montreal must respond to stay alive and force a Game 6 back on home ice. The key question is whether the Canadiens can find an answer with their season hanging in the balance.