Canes Extend Playoff Series Lead Over Capitals With 5-2 Win

The Carolina Hurricanes have taken a commanding 3-1 lead in their second-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Washington Capitals after a 5-2 victory in Game 4 at Raleigh's Lenovo Center. Despite the Capitals generating multiple early scoring chances and a brief rally including an Alex Ovechkin power-play goal, the Hurricanes maintained control, with key late goals from Sean Walker and Andrei Svechnikov securing the win. Carolina goalie Frederik Andersen was instrumental, delivering strong goaltending and achieving his first playoff shutout in Game 3, which ended in a 4-0 win for the Hurricanes. The Capitals struggled with execution and momentum, repeatedly falling behind and failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities, while the Hurricanes effectively responded to each Capitals' surge. Coach Rod Brind’Amour expressed satisfaction with the results despite some defensive lapses, while Capitals coach Spencer Carbery cited missed opportunities and mistakes as critical factors. The Hurricanes are now poised to clinch a trip to the Eastern Conference finals with a win in Game 5 in Washington.