For part of Monday night, the Washington Capitals stunk. For other parts, they tried desperately to remain with the Carolina Hurricanes — and just about did. But think about that for a second. It feels as if the Capitals are merely trying to hold on to this second-round Stanley Cup playoff series with the tips of their fingernails as the Hurricanes rip it away from them.

Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov (7) smiles after the game with center Carter Verhaeghe (23) after winning Game 4 of a Stanley Cup playoffs second-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla. The Florida Panthers won 2-0. Alie Skowronski [email protected]

Washington Capitals' Connor McMichael (24) controls the puck with Carolina Hurricanes' Eric Robinson (50) in pursuit during the third period of Game 3 of an NHL hockey Semi-final round playoff series in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker) AP

The Capitals are staring down elimination in Game 5. Here's what would help them start to dig out from the 3-1 hole.

With their eyes set on the Stanley Cup final, Washington made quick work of the Montreal Canadiens in the first round, and are now tasked with getting past the Carolina Hurricanes

Every playoff team's odds to win the 2025 Stanley Cup and favorites for the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP.

The Washington Capitals face the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 of the second-round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The game will be broadcast at 6 p.m. ET on TNT/truTV. If you don’t have cable, here’s how you can watch the game.

T he stakes are high between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Washington Capitals. Entering Game 4 of their second-round series, the Canes can take a 3-1 series lead over the top-s