The NHL playoffs are heating up, and Game 4 of the hurricanes vs devils series delivered a thrilling clash at the Prudential Center. The Carolina Hurricanes snatched momentum with a solid 5-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils, giving Carolina a pivotal 3-1 lead in their first-round matchup.

Svechnikov Shines With Hat Trick Performance

Andrei Svechnikov was the central figure in the hurricanes vs devils showdown, notching a memorable hat trick to fuel Carolina’s offense. Svechnikov opened the scoring less than a minute into the first period, setting the tone for the contest. His second goal arrived early in the second period with a skilled redirection during a power play. He capped off his stellar outing with an empty-netter, securing his second playoff hat trick and reaffirming his reputation as a clutch performer. For a detailed account of Svechnikov's impact and the Hurricanes’ offensive outburst, read the full game recap on WRAL Sports Fan.

Key Moments and Shifting Momentum

Carolina’s forecheck dominated much of the first half, with Jaccob Slavin adding to the advantage by scoring and becoming the Hurricanes’ all-time leading playoff scorer among defensemen. The Hurricanes’ special teams remained sharp, going perfect on the penalty kill for the series at that point. However, adversity struck when goaltender Frederik Andersen suffered an injury in the second period after a collision, forcing Pyotr Kochetkov to step in. The Devils capitalized with quick strikes from Nico Hischier and Timo Meier to narrow the deficit, but Carolina’s depth and poise helped them pull away in the third.

Devils Fight Back But Fall Short

The Devils showed resilience, responding swiftly after falling behind 3-0. New Jersey’s offense, energized by Hischier and Meier’s efforts, applied pressure as they sought to level the series. However, Carolina’s defense—and timely saves from Kochetkov—kept their comeback hopes in check. Markstrom delivered 24 saves for the Devils, but it wasn’t enough on a night the Canes attackers found their rhythm. For more perspective on New Jersey’s lineup challenges and how the Devils approached Game 4, check out NHL.com’s in-depth series preview.

Injury Updates and Goalie Situation

Injuries continue to shape the series narrative. With Andersen sidelined mid-game, Kochetkov’s poised relief appearance offered Carolina stability. On the other side, New Jersey played without key defensemen Luke Hughes and Brenden Dillon, as well as Johnathan Kovacevic—tested depth that proved costly in a high-stakes playoff battle.

What’s Next: Series Heads Back to Raleigh

The hurricanes vs devils battle shifts to Raleigh for Game 5, with Carolina holding the upper hand and a chance to clinch the series at home. The Devils face an uphill fight, needing a flawless performance to extend their playoff hopes.

For stats, highlights, and further analysis, visit Yahoo Sports’ game report on Svechnikov’s three-goal night.

Conclusion

Game 4 showcased the intensity and drama hockey fans live for. With a 3-1 series lead, the Carolina Hurricanes have seized control in this hurricanes vs devils playoff rivalry. The Devils look to regroup and make a statement in Raleigh as the action continues.