The Carolina Hurricanes are on the verge of making NHL history. With a win against the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 4 on Saturday, May 9, they would become the first team to sweep the opening two rounds of the playoffs since the league adopted the four-round, best-of-seven format in 1987.

This postseason run has been nothing short of dominant for Carolina. They swept the Ottawa Senators in the first round, never trailing in the series and outscoring them 11-5. Now, they've carried that momentum into the second round, outscoring Philadelphia 10-3 so far. Even when the Flyers jumped to a 2-0 lead in Game 2, the Hurricanes stayed composed, clawed back, and won 3-2 in overtime.

As the hockey world watches this potential clinching game, it's also a time to celebrate the season's best. The NHL is announcing finalists for major awards, including the Hart Trophy. Among the contenders are Tampa Bay Lightning's Jon Cooper for the Jack Adams Award, Andrei Vasilevskiy for the Vezina, and Los Angeles Kings' Anze Kopitar for the Lady Byng. The Ted Lindsay Award for most outstanding player features San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov, and Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid. Meanwhile, Anaheim Ducks goaltender Ville Husso is the Masterton Trophy nominee for perseverance.

Whether you're cheering for the Hurricanes or the Flyers, this is playoff hockey at its finest—history, drama, and elite talent all on the ice.