The Washington Capitals faced a disappointing 5-2 defeat against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 4, putting them on the brink of elimination with a 3-1 series deficit. Despite the loss, Alex Ovechkin scored his 77th career playoff goal, surpassing Mario Lemieux for 12th place on the all-time playoff goals list. This milestone came late in the game during a 5-on-3 power play, where Dylan Strome assisted Ovechkin's iconic shot from his usual spot in the left circle. Unfortunately for the Capitals, the Hurricanes quickly retaliated, with Sean Walker scoring shortly after Ovechkin's goal, and Andrei Svechnikov sealing the win with an empty-netter.

The New Jersey Devils have secured forward Arseniy Gritsyuk, a fifth-round pick from 2019, by signing him to a one-year entry-level contract. Gritsyuk, who starred in St. Petersburg with 17 goals and 27 assists over 49 games, is expected to have a cap hit of $925,000 and an average annual value of $1.425 million. His contract details include a base salary of $832,500, a signing bonus, and performance incentives.

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs intensify, the landscape of the NHL continues to shift with key player injuries and trades. The Ottawa Senators have parted ways with AGM Ryan Bowness, while the Carolina Hurricanes manage injuries to forwards and goalies, with Frederik Andersen returning from injury. Notable players like Jason Robertson are on track for a Game 1 return, adding to the excitement of playoff matchups.

Seth Jarvis of the Carolina Hurricanes did not return to the game after suffering a head injury during the third period against the Los Angeles Kings, which ended in a 7-2 defeat. Jarvis was taken down by Warren Foegele while on a breakaway and collided hard with the boards. Despite the injury, head coach Rod Brind’Amour expressed cautious optimism about Jarvis’s condition, noting he appeared to be okay but emphasizing the uncertainty of post-injury assessments.

Jarvis, who leads the Hurricanes with 27 goals this season, was missed as the team also faced challenges with other key players like captain Jordan Staal and defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere sidelined due to injuries. This match concluded an impressive eight-game winning streak for the Hurricanes.

The Carolina Hurricanes showcased a dominant performance against the Philadelphia Flyers, winning 5-0 and extending their winning streak to seven games. Pyotr Kochetkov was stellar in goal, recording 26 saves to earn a shutout. Mark Jankowski played a pivotal role, scoring twice and contributing significantly to the offense. Sebastian Aho opened the scoring early, setting the tone for the game. Despite a promising start to their homestand, the Flyers were left demoralized with only one win out of seven games.

Flyers' coach John Tortorella expressed frustration over his team's inability to capitalize on opportunities, as they struggled to find the back of the net. The Hurricanes’ collective effort and Jankowski's integration into the team were highlighted, signifying their high morale and teamwork.

Mark Jankowski delivered a standout performance for the Carolina Hurricanes, scoring twice in a 4-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. This win marked Carolina's fourth consecutive triumph, showcasing their solid form as they contend for a prime playoff position. Joining Jankowski on the scoresheet were Logan Stankoven and Seth Jarvis, while Frederik Andersen made 20 saves to keep the Jets at bay.

Despite a powerful offensive display last game, the Jets struggled against Carolina's defense, with only Alex Iafallo and Adam Lowry managing to find the net. Notably, Winnipeg's top-ranked power play faltered, going 0-for-3 against the Hurricanes. The game also included a pivotal moment when a potential goal by Cole Perfetti was called back after review for a high stick, highlighting Carolina's defensive resilience.