Capitals vs Hurricanes: How the Game Was Lost

"This was the reality the Washington Capitals found themselves in through the first 25 minutes of their Thursday night tilt against their Metro Division rivals. Capital One Arena was lulled to sleep through a start that saw Carolina dominate possession, hurdling past double digits on the shot counter while Washington struggled to test Canes goalie Brandon Bussi at all. They'd finally get a chance to do so with Connor McMichael breaking through the neutral zone off an Alex Ovechkin feed to wake the crowd up:"

"Nikolaj Ehlers would quell the celebration later in the period, picking up a rebound that bounced around Logan Thompson's net and putting it home to tie things up heading into the third. It was a third period that saw the Caps find some success turning up the offensive pressure on Carolina, aided by the jolt of energy Nic Dowd had given them throughout the night."

"After throwing a few big hits in the second period and answering for them with a fight to open the 3rd, Judy would put himself on Gordie Howe Hatty Watch after being on the receiving end of a Rasmus Sandin dime: The Caps would hold onto the lead for the bulk of the third period, with some breathing room in the Metro Division standings in their sights."

The Washington Capitals lost to the Carolina Hurricanes after Carolina dominated early possession and outshot Washington by a wide margin. Carolina peppered Washington's net early, forcing heavy point shooting and testing goaltending depth. Washington finally generated offense when Connor McMichael broke through the neutral zone off an Alex Ovechkin feed. Nikolaj Ehlers tied the game on a rebound before the third, when the Capitals ramped up offensive pressure aided by Nic Dowd's energy. After physical plays and a fight, Washington held a third-period lead for much of the frame, but Carolina mounted a late push with their goalie pulled, and Washington ultimately surrendered the result.

Read at Japers' Rink