3 Takeaways from Canes Series-Tying 5-3 Win in Vegas
The Carolina Hurricanes picked up a big 5–3 win in Game 4, tying the series at two games each in the best-of-seven and reclaiming home-ice advantage. Jordan Staal scored the game-winner and was really the heartbeat of this win. Nikolaj Ehlers added a highlight-reel bank shot from behind the net that somehow found its way in. With both teams now having won on the road and at home, this series feels very much up for grabs heading into Game 5.
Three takeaways from the Hurricanes’ win.
Related: Babcock vs. Tortorella: Same Gruff Exterior, Different Underneath.
Takeaway One: Captain Calm carries the game big time.
Jordan Staal was the steadying presence all night. From his relaxed warm-ups to the way he constantly talked with teammates on the bench, he set the tone early. On the ice, he leaned on his size and strength to win battles, kept things simple, and scored the game-winner. That kind of calm, two-way leadership is contagious, and it’s exactly what Carolina needs when the margins get this tight.
Takeaway Two: Bussi stands tall and frustrates Eichel.
The goaltending battle really took over in the third period. Brandon Bussi was as composed as it gets. He made timely saves, controlled rebounds, and showed veteran-like reads that shut down several Grade-A chances. Jack Eichel had his looks. He hit a crossbar, a couple of dangerous chances, and even a late open-net chance that just missed high. But he couldn’t beat the youngster. Those missed chances, combined with Bussi’s steadiness, swung momentum back Carolina’s way.
Takeaway Three: Smart play beats pure speed.
This game was another reminder that playoff hockey still rewards brains over pure speed. Jaccob Slavin logged a team-high ~25 minutes and played a quiet, mistake-free defensive game. He broke up entries, played smart gaps, and kept things under control. Ehlers’ fortunate bank shot was a flashpoint, but the bigger picture was that guys like Staal, Slavin, and others showed that positioning, awareness, and smart decision-making can still neutralize elite speed when it matters.
What does it all mean?
Carolina now leads the series 2–1 and heads home, where they should have an advantage. Both teams have already proven they can win on the road and at home, so Game 4 feels like it’s heading toward tighter checking and more adjustments. Carolina will lean on its depth, structure, and veteran calm. Vegas needs cleaner zone entries and better finishing after generating plenty of high-danger looks without cashing in. Thursday’s game suddenly feels like a swing moment in the series.