Typically the penultimate round of the Stanley Cup playoffs produces epic showdowns, with multiple conference finals series in the recent past going the full seven games.
The 2026 playoffs are apparently bucking that trend.
After the Vegas Golden Knights clinched a sweep over the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday, the Carolina Hurricanes went up 3-1 with a 4-0 shutout of the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday. The series returns to Carolina's barn for Game 5, where the Canes can end the showdown -- and get to the Cup Final after playing only 13 total games through three rounds.
Here's a look at how it all went down on Wednesday, plus updated playoff stats leaders.
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Full schedule
Playoff Central
Stanley Cup odds
Experts' picks
Offseason guide for eliminated teams
Wednesday's scoreboard
Carolina Hurricanes 4, Montreal Canadiens 0
Hurricanes lead 3-1
The crowd throughout the city of Montreal was at its enthusiastic best leading into this one. And their side had some chances in the opening frame. Unfortunately, none of those chances turned into goals, while the Canes scored three goals in a span of less than three minutes, courtesy of Sebastian Aho, Jordan Staal and Logan Stankoven.
That was more than enough as Frederik Andersen held on for the shutout, but Andrei Svechnikov added an empty-netter at 18:06 of the third to officially seal the deal. Game 5 is Friday in Raleigh. Full recap | Grades
Tuesday's scoreboard
Vegas Golden Knights 2, Colorado Avalanche 1
Golden Knights win 4-0
At the start of the series, many expected the Avalanche to take care of business; by the end, there was no doubt who was the better team. A goaltending change by Colorado -- from Scott Wedgewood to Mackenzie Blackwood -- would be a factor, as Blackwood had a series of incredible saves that kept the game close. Ultimately, the Golden Knights' 200-foot game was too much for the Avs to overcome.
Mark Stone kicked off the scoring at 4:42 of the first period with his fifth of the playoffs. That would be the lone tally of the game until 14:15 of the third, when 2026 trade addition Cole Smith scored his third of the postseason to give the Knights some insurance. They'd need that insurance, as Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog scored a tip-in goal with Blackwood pulled at 17:57. That would be all Colorado could muster, and the Golden Knights were off to the Cup finals. Here's a look at the Avs' to-do list for the offseason. Full recap | Grades
Playoff scoring leaders
Click here for full list of stats leaders.
Playoff goaltending leaders
Click here for the full list of goaltender stats.