Carolina Hurricanes Advance to Eastern Conference Finals

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Washington Capitals 3-1 in Game 5 to win their Eastern Conference semifinal series 4-1, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second time in three years. Andrei Svechnikov scored the game-winning goal with under two minutes left in the third period, and Seth Jarvis added an empty-net goal to seal the victory. Jordan Staal opened the scoring for the Hurricanes, while Anthony Beauvillier tied the game for the Capitals. The Capitals, despite finishing first in the Metropolitan Division and led by Alex Ovechkin—who registered only one point in the series—were unable to overcome the Hurricanes, who dominated the series defensively. Carolina will face the winner of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers series, with the Panthers currently leading 3-2 and holding home-ice advantage if they advance. This potential matchup would be a rematch of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, where Florida swept Carolina in four games.