NEWARK, NJ — April 27, 2025 | The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are heating up at the Prudential Center, where the New Jersey Devils are set to face the Carolina Hurricanes in a must-win Game 4 this afternoon. After Friday night’s pulse-pounding double-overtime victory, the Devils have a chance to even the series at 2-2 and completely shift the momentum heading into Game 5 in Raleigh.
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🔥 Game 4: The Turning Point of the Series?
The Devils clawed their way back into the series with an unforgettable 3–2 win in Game 3, thanks to rookie defenseman Simon Nemec, who scored the OT winner and his first-ever playoff goal in front of a roaring home crowd. That goal not only ended the longest game ever played at the Prudential Center, but also injected new life into a New Jersey team that had its back against the wall.
Now, the series stands at 2-1 in favor of Carolina, but if the Devils can keep the fire burning and win Game 4, they’ll bring the series back to even with the confidence of having stopped Carolina’s early series dominance in its tracks.
🧊 Devils Lineup: Cholowski In, Kovacevic Out
The Devils will be without Johnathan Kovacevic, who left Game 3 early with an injury. Dennis Cholowski will draw in on defense, and head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed there will be no other changes to the forward group that helped grind out Friday’s win.
Expected forward lines:
- Palat – Hischier – Meier
- Haula – Mercer – Bratt
- Cotter – Glass – Noesen
- Tatar – Dowling – Bastian
The defensive pairings will rotate, with Hamilton, Siegenthaler, Dumoulin, Pesce, Nemec, and Cholowski expected to carry the load once again.
Still out:
- Luke Hughes (lower-body, out)
- Brenden Dillon (day-to-day)
- Jack Hughes (LTIR, shoulder)
🧱 Defense and Resilience on Full Display
Game 3 was a gut-check moment for the Devils’ blue line. Playing more than 80 minutes of hockey with just five defensemen, the team leaned heavily on Brian Dumoulin (36:24 TOI), Brett Pesce (32:30), and Dougie Hamilton (31:16). The group held strong under pressure, especially in extended shifts against Carolina’s aggressive forecheck.
Head coach Keefe praised his team’s discipline and conditioning:
“That was a hard hockey game out there and our guys just dug in and found a way.”
🚨 Who’s Hot for New Jersey?
- Jesper Bratt continues to be a force, extending his playoff point streak to three games (1G, 2A).
- Nico Hischier was a beast in Game 3, logging over 26 minutes of high-intensity, two-way hockey and winning crucial faceoffs down the stretch.
- Goaltender Jacob Markstrom remains locked in, boasting a .929 save percentage and making game-saving stops in double OT to keep the Devils alive.
⚠️ Carolina Staying the Course
The Hurricanes are expected to run the same lineup as Game 3. Goaltender Frederik Andersen is confirmed as the starter, despite the heavy workload Friday. He has been strong throughout the series, posting a 1.48 GAA and .943 SV%.
Coach Rod Brind’Amour emphasized the importance of a fast start:
“You’d rather play from in front — but if you don’t get it, you’ve got to dig in, like we did the other night.”
🔑 Keys to Game 4
1. Special Teams Must Deliver
Carolina’s penalty kill has been flawless so far (10-for-10), while the Devils are still searching for their first power-play goal of the series. That has to change if New Jersey wants to keep pace in a tight series.
2. Match Carolina’s Intensity Early
The Hurricanes push hard in the first 10 minutes. If the Devils can withstand that and turn the crowd into a weapon, they can tilt the ice early.
3. Stay Disciplined
With both teams hitting hard and emotions running high, penalties could make the difference. Keefe said it best:
“Your intensity has to be at the highest level — but so does your control.”
📊 By the Numbers
| Category | Devils | Hurricanes |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Leader | Hischier (2) | Jarvis, Stankoven (2) |
| Assists Leader | Bratt (2) | Aho, Martinook (2) |
| Points Leader | Bratt (3) | Aho, Martinook (3) |
| Power Play | 0% (0-for-10) | 30% |
| PK % | 70% | 100% |
| Goalie SV% | Markstrom (.929) | Andersen (.943) |
🎙️ Game Day Coverage & More
Catch the pre-game hype and exclusive content on Explore New Jersey including:
- 🎥 Devils Minute: Keep on Building
- 🎤 Pre-Game Interview with Coach Keefe
- 🎧 Garden State Morning Skate Podcast
Be sure to follow us throughout the playoffs for full coverage, locker room reactions, and behind-the-scenes access you won’t find anywhere else.
🏒 Puck Drops at 3:50 PM ET
The stage is set. The stakes are high. And the energy in Newark is electric.
With the Prudential Center ready to erupt once again, the Devils will look to keep the fire burning, protect their house, and tie the series in what promises to be another high-intensity thriller.
📲 Follow @ExploreNewJersey for live updates, highlights, and postgame reactions.