The Stanley Cup Playoffs continue to deliver thrilling hockey action, and Monday evening was no exception.
The night`s games started with the Carolina Hurricanes securing a 5-2 home victory over the Washington Capitals in Game 4. Forward Taylor Hall was a key contributor for the Hurricanes with a goal and an assist, including scoring the eventual game-winning goal in the third period. The Hurricanes maintained the lead throughout the game and now hold a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.
Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers also extended their series advantage to 3-1 after defeating the Golden Knights 3-0 in their Game 4. Forward Adam Henrique netted two goals, while goaltender Stuart Skinner was flawless, stopping all 24 shots he faced to earn a shutout.
After another night packed with intense playoff hockey, let`s shine a light on some of the most impressive individual performances from Monday`s matchups.
3. Taylor Hall | LW | Hurricanes
Initially seen as a secondary piece in the trade that brought star forward Mikko Rantanen to Carolina, Taylor Hall has proven to be a crucial difference-maker. His performance in Monday`s significant win puts the Hurricanes just one victory away from reaching the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in four seasons.
With the Hurricanes holding a slim 2-1 lead in the third period, Jack Roslovic sent the puck down the ice, finding Hall waiting. Hall fired a snap shot past Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson. The Carolina winger made his mark again just over four minutes later by assisting on a goal by defenseman Sean Walker. While Hall may not be the prolific scorer he once was, he still possesses the playmaking skill to significantly impact games, as seen on Monday night.
2. Evander Kane | LW | Oilers
After missing the entire regular season due to multiple injuries, Evander Kane is making a substantial impact precisely when his team needs it most. In Monday`s victory, Kane recorded a goal and an assist, and also delivered six hits.
At 13:03 of the first period, Kane helped retrieve the puck in front of the net, setting up Adam Henrique for a goal and earning a secondary assist. In the second period, Kane helped widen Edmonton`s lead. On an odd-man rush, Connor McDavid sent the puck ahead to Kane, who sped towards the net before deciding to shoot, beating Golden Knights netminder Adin Hill. Beyond his offensive output in Game 4, Kane also brought significant energy through his physicality. He`s effective at getting under the Golden Knights` skin, and this was a performance reminiscent of Kane at his best.
1. Adam Henrique | C | Oilers
The depth of the Oilers roster was on full display on Monday as center Adam Henrique stepped up offensively. Henrique scored Edmonton`s first two goals, setting the tone for the team`s dominant Game 4 victory.
This marked Henrique`s first two-goal performance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs since Game 7 of the opening round in 2012 against the Florida Panthers. Henrique wasted no time making an impact in Monday`s contest. Just 1:27 into Game 4, Connor Brown stole the puck behind the net and fed a wide-open Henrique in front for a one-timer goal. Henrique added his second of the night during a scramble in front, initiated by Kane freeing the puck. Henrique`s line ultimately accounted for three goals and two assists on the night. His valuable playoff experience was evident, and his presence could be crucial as the Oilers aim for a return trip to the Stanley Cup Final.
Torin Vale 
Elton Marrow