RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — In a thrilling showdown on Wednesday night, the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Washington Capitals 5-1, securing their spot in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs for the seventh consecutive season. The victory not only clinched a playoff berth but also marked a significant moment in the career of Capitals' captain Alex Ovechkin, who scored his 892nd career goal, moving him just three shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record.
The game, held at Lenovo Center, saw Ovechkin score on a power play with just 34.5 seconds left in the second period, cutting the Hurricanes' lead to 4-1. This goal was his 39th of the season and came during a crucial moment when Washington was desperate to turn the tide. Ovechkin has been on a scoring spree lately, netting 17 goals in his last 25 games, and he now sits two goals away from tying Gretzky.
The Hurricanes wasted no time establishing dominance in the first period. Sean Walker opened the scoring at 6:14, capitalizing on a turnover from the Capitals. Just minutes later, Jackson Blake netted a power-play goal at 10:11, and Seth Jarvis followed with another power-play goal at 13:21, marking his 30th of the season. By the end of the first period, the Hurricanes were leading 3-0, outshooting the Capitals 12-5.
Logan Stankoven added to the Hurricanes' lead early in the second period, scoring at 9:27, further complicating the Capitals' efforts to mount a comeback. Washington's goaltender Logan Thompson had a rough outing, allowing three goals on 12 shots before being pulled due to an upper-body injury. He was replaced by Charlie Lindgren, who managed to stop 19 of 21 shots but could not change the game's momentum.
Despite Ovechkin's goal, the Capitals struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game. The team appeared lethargic, reminiscent of a squad playing the second half of a back-to-back with little to fight for other than Ovechkin's chase for history. They finished the game with a 1-for-5 performance on the power play, while the Hurricanes capitalized on three of their eight opportunities.
The intensity of the game escalated, particularly in the third period, where a total of 142 penalty minutes were handed out, including 122 in that final frame alone. Both teams engaged in multiple fights, showcasing the physical nature of the matchup. The game’s atmosphere was electric, as Ovechkin noted, "We understand there’s a possibility to see them in the playoffs. It was a playoff atmosphere out there.”
The Hurricanes' success can be attributed to their recent form, having won eight of their last ten games. This victory not only solidified their playoff position but also matched a franchise record for consecutive playoff appearances. With a home record of 29-8-1, the Hurricanes are looking to secure home-ice advantage in the playoffs, a crucial factor for their postseason success.
As for the Capitals, this loss marks a troubling trend, as they have dropped four of their last five games, now standing at 48-18-9 on the season. With seven games remaining, they need to secure points to maintain their position at the top of the Metropolitan Division. They will host the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, April 4, 2025, in hopes of bouncing back and supporting Ovechkin’s quest for greatness.
In the aftermath of the game, Ovechkin reflected on the missed opportunities, stating, “We had a pretty good chance in the second, first shift a breakaway. And in this game, if you have a chance, you have to use it.” His determination to chase Gretzky's record remains strong, and with the playoffs just around the corner, every game counts.
The Capitals will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next challenge. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes will look to build on their momentum as they head into the postseason, ready to make a serious run at the Stanley Cup.
