The Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes will square off in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Capital One Arena with the Hurricanes leading the best-of-seven matchup 2-1 and the Capitals looking to build on their gritty 3-1 win in Game 3 to even the series. This matchup has showcased two contrasting styles—Carolina’s relentless forecheck and high-shot-volume offense against Washington’s patient, structured defensive play and opportunistic scoring—and Game 4 will serve as a pivotal moment for both clubs as the series momentum hangs in the balance. In Game 3, the Capitals executed their game plan perfectly, slowing down Carolina’s pace, blocking shooting lanes, and getting a stellar performance in net from Logan Thompson, who stopped 27 of 28 shots and raised his playoff save percentage to an impressive .926. Thompson’s emergence as a postseason difference-maker has given Washington a stabilizing force in goal, and with the team’s strong record on home ice—11 wins in their last 13 games at Capital One Arena—they enter Game 4 confident in their ability to neutralize the Hurricanes’ aggressive push. Offensively, Washington has leaned on its veteran core, with Alex Ovechkin providing leadership and still posing a dangerous threat on the power play, while young players like Aliaksei Protas and Connor McMichael have added energy and timely scoring, giving coach Spencer Carbery more flexibility and depth across four lines. The Capitals’ ability to control the neutral zone, clear rebounds, and win faceoffs in the defensive end has limited Carolina’s high-danger chances, and if they maintain this formula, they have a legitimate shot to turn this series into a best-of-three.

For Carolina, Game 4 is about regaining the tempo and rhythm that defined their play in Games 1 and 2, where their volume shooting overwhelmed Washington’s defense and created chaos around the net. Coach Rod Brind’Amour’s system is built on forechecking pressure, cycling the puck low, and generating second-chance opportunities, but the Hurricanes have struggled to finish their chances in this series, often settling for perimeter shots and failing to establish a net-front presence that can disrupt Thompson’s vision. With Freddie Andersen sidelined, the pressure falls on Pyotr Kochetkov to hold down the crease, and while he’s been solid at times, his rebound control and ability to handle traffic have come into question against a Washington team that knows how to capitalize on goaltending miscues. The Hurricanes will need more offensive urgency from Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Teuvo Teräväinen, who have been relatively quiet at even strength in the last two games, and must find ways to generate quality looks off the rush or through broken plays in the slot. Special teams will also play a key role, with Carolina’s power play needing to convert to relieve pressure and Washington’s penalty kill looking to extend its dominance. With the UNDER cashing in seven of Carolina’s last eight road games, defensive structure and goaltending are expected to dictate the flow once again, and whichever team can execute better in tight-checking conditions will walk away with a crucial win that could swing the direction of the series.