Live updates: Washington Capitals vs Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center
Tonight’s matchup serves as a major test for the Washington Capitals — a chance to gauge their progress after losing six of their last seven games. The Carolina Hurricanes, one of the NHL’s top teams and a long-standing rival, host the event in Raleigh.
In their previous meeting, the Hurricanes eliminated the Capitals in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Since then, Carolina’s general manager Eric Tulsky added further frustration to Washington by signing away one of their players during free agency.
The Hurricanes have won four straight games and hold a strong 5–1–0 record at home. To stay competitive, the Capitals will rely heavily on early-season Vezina Trophy contender Logan Thompson and hope for greater offensive production from their struggling middle lines.
Defender Declan Chisholm replaces Trevor van Riemsdyk in tonight’s lineup. Puck drop is scheduled shortly after 7:00 p.m., with Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin providing commentary on Monumental Sports Network.
Puck is dropped. Protas–McMichael–Wilson and Chychrun–Roy begin the game. Hurricanes dominate early, and Ethen Frank draws a penalty 55 seconds in on K’Andre Miller, setting up the Capitals’ first power play.
Author’s summary: The Capitals face a key road challenge against the surging Hurricanes, aiming to rebound from recent losses and prove their playoff potential.