The scoring started off with a nice play made by Edmonton Oilerss Sergei Samsonov, beating Carolina goaltender Cam Ward midway through the first period. But less than 20 seconds later, Cory Stillman was able to get the puck past Edmonton's goalie, Jussi Markkanen, on the power play.
The score remained tied at one apiece until Carolina's Mark Recchi scored with 4 minutes remaining in the second.
Although the score didn't change after that point, the game never lost its excitement.
The intensity of the game was much more visible, with both teams making big hits.
The best chance that Edmonton had to tie the game up was late in the 3rd period on a shorthanded break away that Steve Staios had, but didn't really receive the pass well enough from Rem Murray and the puck went well wide of the net.
During the first period of the game, it appeared the Hurricanes were heading to a breakdown due to Edmonton's physical game. Within seven minutes, Carolina took four penalties (Ray Whitney had two of them). After that little lapse, they never lost their composure.
Cam Ward was again spectacular in net for the Hurricanes, not really facing a lot of shots (21). He was cool and calm when his team needed him, especially on an Edmonton two-man advantage late in the 1st period.
The Oilers' Markkanen faced 20 shots, but although two got by him, he still did a fantastic job. Both clubs owe a lot to their goaltenders.
With the teams heading back to Carolina for game 5, the Carolina Hurricanes can now win the Stanley Cup on their ice in front of their fans.
If the Hurricanes can win the Stanley Cup, it will be the first in franchise history.
Game 5 will be in Raleigh, North Carolina at 8 p.m. on NBC.
