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The Edmonton hockey players defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in front of their fans and thus took a 3-1 lead in the four-win series in the semifinals of the playoffs in the Western Conference of the North American National Hockey League (NHL), and the Carolina Hurricanes, who beat the Washington Capitals 5-2, are one step closer to the East final.
Adam Henrique scored twice to lead the Oilers to a 3-0 win over the visiting Vegas Golden Knights in Game 4, with Evander Kane adding a goal and an assist. Oilers goalkeeper Stuart Skinner saved 23 shots and thus achieved his first shutout in this year's playoffs.
Skinner started the playoffs as Edmonton's starting goaltender, but lost his spot due to poor performances. However, he was back in goal in the last two games, due to an injury to Calvin Pickard. This was his second career shutout in the playoffs.
"The way we played tonight was phenomenal from the start," Skinner told Sportsnet.
"We were solid in defense, and the way we reacted after the last game shows great maturity."
Adin Hill
Vegas goaltender Adin Hill made 29 saves, but the Golden Knights were unable to capitalize on the momentum of a last-second Game 3 victory.
Edmonton can close the series in two days in Las Vegas.
Although Washington had the best performance in the regular season, in the series against the fourth-seeded Carolina Hurricanes, the Capitals are on the verge of elimination after losing (5-2) in the fourth game in Raleigh. Sean Walker had a goal and an assist for his first two career playoff points, as did Taylor Hall. Shayne Gostisbehere, Seth Jarvis and Andrei Svečnikov also scored for the Hurricanes, with Frederik Andersen making 19 saves in the win.
Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour particularly praised his team's defense with a man less.
"The man less game was crucial. I know they scored a 5-on-3 once, but it's all about timing. Six minutes of penalties in the first period immediately throws you off your rhythm. Coming out of that with a lead was key," the Hurricanes coach said.
For the Capitals, Jakob Chychrun had a goal and an assist, and Alex Ovechkin also scored. Goalie Logan Thompson made 32 saves.
The Capitals will try to extend their streak in front of their fans in Washington in three days.
English (US) ·