Carolina Hurricanes Eliminate Washington Capitals

The Carolina Hurricanes advance to the Eastern Conference Finals after defeating the Washington Capitals 3-1 in Game 5. Read more about the thrilling matchup.

Jordan Staal scored his first playoff goal, giving the Canes an early lead. However, goaltender Logan Thompson likely wishes he could redo the play. Fortunately for the Caps, Anthony Beauvillier's second playoff goal tied the game 1-1 heading into the first intermission.

The Carolina Hurricanes have advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in three years after eliminating the Washington Capitals in Game 5. They secured a 3-1 victory on the Capitals' home ice, wrapping up the series 4-1.

Game Recap

The Hurricanes struck first in the game with Jordan Staal scoring at 10:10 in the first period, assisted by Jake Martinook. However, the Capitals quickly responded with Anthony Beauvillier tying the game 1-1 with an unassisted goal. The score remained tied until the third period.

Game-Winning Goal

Andrei Svechnikov broke the deadlock with a stunning goal at 18:01 in the third period, assisted by Sean Walker and Seth Jarvis. Svechnikov's goal proved to be the game-winner, and the Hurricanes sealed their victory with an empty-net goal from Seth Jarvis.

Key Performances

Frederik Andersen was solid in net for the Hurricanes, stopping 18 shots he faced. Rod Brind'Amour praised Alexander Nikishin's NHL debut, saying he “hung in there” despite the challenging circumstances. Nikishin turned over the puck on a Capitals goal that was called offside.

Next Steps

The Hurricanes will now face the winner of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers series in the Eastern Conference Finals. They'll look to carry their momentum forward, with Sean Walker emphasizing the team's focus on executing their game plan.

CANES IN 5 pic.twitter.com/azYjHd1xPd

— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) May 16, 2025

The Canes had a chance to take a 2-1 lead, but Logan Thompson made an incredible stick save, reminiscent of Braden Holtby's iconic save in the Stanley Cup Finals against Vegas. The period ended with both teams combining for 34 hits, the Canes outshooting the Caps 8-4. Carolina dominated face-offs, winning 83.3%, and also outblocked the Caps 8-6.

Second Period Highlights

Despite no goals being scored, the second period had its moments. A potential goal by Caps forward Jakob Chychrun was called back after review due to an obvious offside, a crucial call that kept the score tied.

The Capitals went 12 minutes without a shot on goal, allowing the Hurricanes to build a significant shot advantage, 17-9. Both teams struggled on their power plays, and Carolina narrowly missed taking a 2-1 lead when Seth Jarvis hit the double crossbars. The period ended with both teams combining for 64 hits, 33 by Washington and 31 by Carolina.

Late Game Breakthrough

The Caps' power play struggles continued, but the Canes seized the opportunity with 2 minutes left. After Alexander Ovechkin's missed chance, Andrei Svechnikov scored his 8th playoff goal, giving Carolina the lead. Only Mikko Rantanen (9) among playoff scorers had more goals than Svechnikov at that point.

The Capitals pulled their goalie for an extra attacker but couldn't change the outcome. Seth Jarvis sealed the win with an empty-net goal, ending the Caps' season with 26 seconds left. Carolina outshot Washington 21-19, outhit them 46-40, and blocked more shots 24-16. The Caps' power play struggles, going 0-3, ultimately sealed their fate in Game 5.