RALEIGH, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Washington Capitals 5-2 on Monday night, securing a crucial win in Game 4 to take a commanding 3-1 lead in their second-round playoff series. Sean Walker scored a vital late goal, and Andrei Svechnikov sealed the victory with an empty-net tally.
Carolina remains undefeated at home in the playoffs, holding a 5-0 record. They now stand just one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in three years. Game 5 is scheduled for Thursday in Washington, where the Hurricanes can clinch the series.
Hurricanes coach Rod Brind`Amour acknowledged the team`s performance, stating, “If I`m just honest with how I feel about it, I thought our first two games [on the road] might`ve been better than some of these games — just the chances we`ve given up, a little too much here for me.” However, he emphasized the importance of results in the postseason: “But obviously at this time of year, it`s about results. I like where we`re at, that`s for sure.”
Walker`s goal was particularly significant, coming after Alex Ovechkin had scored on a 5-on-3 power play to bring the Capitals within one goal, making the score 3-2 with about eight minutes remaining. The play leading to Walker`s tally started unluckily for Washington; defenseman Rasmus Sandin`s stick got caught in the boards during a puck battle, allowing Taylor Hall to gain possession and feed a pass to a streaking Walker on the left side.
Tristan Blackwood