WINNIPEG — The New Jersey Devils moved to within one victory of capturing the Stanley Cup after shutting out the Winnipeg Jets 2-0 at Canada Life Centre to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
If the Devils can finish the job at home in Newark in Game 5, they will claim the Stanley Cup for the fourth time in franchise history and their first championship since defeating the Anaheim Ducks in the 2003 Final.
Game 4 could hardly have started worse for the Jets.
“We didn’t handle the pressure well enough tonight,” said Jets head coach Scott Arniel. “This time of year, every mistake gets magnified, and we gave them too many opportunities to control the game.”
Midway through the opening period, Dawson Mercer stole the puck before Winnipeg could clear its zone, broke in alone on Connor Hellebuyck, and finished with a backhand deke inside the left post to give New Jersey a 1-0 lead.
“Anytime you can contribute in a game this important, it feels special,” Mercer said. “But we know the job’s not done yet. We still need one more.”
The Jets never recovered offensively. Winnipeg managed only 17 shots on goal and struggled to generate quality chances against New Jersey’s disciplined defensive structure. Jacob Markström was rarely tested as the Devils controlled the pace throughout the night.
New Jersey sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final seconds.
Despite the loss, Hellebuyck kept Winnipeg within striking distance for most of the game, making 30 saves to earn First Star honors.
