It was a must-win game for the Hurricanes, who were down 3-0 heading into Game 4. In fact, they seldom led in any of the previous three matches, where they were outscored 16-4.
The first period was largely uneventful, especially since neither side could convert their chances. The visiting Canes had 13 attempts on goal to the hosts' nine. Save for one power play, that Carolina successfully killed, the opening 20 minutes brought little drama.
The key moment in the game came in the midway through the period, where Logan Stankoven put the Hurricanes in front. Alexander Nikishin played a first-time pass to third line winger, who was in on goal. His shot beat Sergei Bobrovsky, putting his side ahead for the first time in the series.
The Panthers, trying to finish the series on the night, tried to get back into the game. After going behind, they had three further power play opportunities in the contest. In the end, they just could not find a way through the away side. In fact, they nearly went down two goals at the six and a half minute mark of the final frame. Instead, the goal was called back for offside on a coach's challenge.
Still, Florida just could not score on the night. In the end, they gave up a pair of empty net goals near the end to fall 3-0. It was just the second time in this NHL playoffs that they failed to score in a game.
Wednesday will see Game 5 take place, as the sides return to Carolina for what is the Panthers' second chance to wrap up their series and make their third straight Stanley Cup.