Carolina Hurricanes Lead Capitals 3-1, Push Eastern Playoff Series to Brink

The Carolina Hurricanes have taken a commanding 3-1 lead over the Washington Capitals in their second-round playoff series after a 5-2 victory in Game 4. The Hurricanes' depth has been a key factor, with 12 different players registering points and strong performances from multiple lines, while the Capitals have struggled to find consistent offensive production beyond a few players like Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome. Key moments included Taylor Hall scoring a breakaway goal and assisting Sean Walker, who scored his first career postseason goal late in the game, followed by an empty-net goal from Andrei Svechnikov. Carolina goalie Frederik Andersen made 19 saves, while Washington's Logan Thompson allowed four goals on 36 shots. Despite the Capitals' efforts to close the gap, including a power-play goal from Ovechkin, the Hurricanes maintained composure and capitalized on crucial moments, pushing the Capitals to the brink of elimination. Game 5 will be held in Washington, where the Capitals will attempt to avoid elimination.