RALEIGH, N.C. — In an intense playoff encounter, Andrei Svechnikov swiftly capitalized on a faceoff puck to score his sixth goal of the postseason, helping the Carolina Hurricanes secure a 4-0 victory over the Washington Capitals. This win on Saturday night gave the Hurricanes a 2-1 edge in their second-round series.
Svechnikov made a decisive move into the circle, beating John Carlson to the puck before slipping it past Logan Thompson at 12:34 in the second period, marking the game’s opening goal and igniting Carolina’s commanding run.
Frederik Andersen was instrumental in Carolina’s triumph, blocking 21 shots from the Capitals. His efforts gave the Hurricanes the time they needed to find their rhythm after a period dominated by the Capitals, ultimately culminating in his first postseason shutout for the team and the franchise’s first in three years.
“That initial period was crucial; they were on their game, and we were slightly defensive,” remarked Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour. “Good goaltending keeps us competitive, and we managed to step up in the latter part of the game. It could have been much different if we were chasing goals.”
The Hurricanes extended their advantage with Jack Roslovic’s power-play goal late in the second, while Eric Robinson’s surge up the left side early in the third pushed the score to 3-0. Jackson Blake sealed the victory with a power-play shot near the post, maintaining the Hurricanes’ perfect 4-0 home playoff record.
“It’s evident when we’re deviating from our game plan,” Robinson commented. “We found our stride and stuck to it.”
Carolina had initially dominated the series’ opening game but needed Jaccob Slavin’s overtime goal to secure an away victory. The Capitals, performing robustly in Game 2, managed to tie the series with Tom Wilson’s strong two-way play. However, Washington’s promising start in Game 3 unravelled as Andersen effectively thwarted their early attempts, with defense efforts notable against both Taylor Raddysh and Wilson.
Washington’s Thompson ended with 24 saves; however, the Capitals struggled offensively in the latter half, managing a mere 10 shots over the last stretch.
“Trailing isn’t ideal for us,” admitted Washington coach Spencer Carbery. “We don’t possess the offensive firepower to compensate for a deficit easily. Once behind, we start pressing, leading to atypical mistakes and more disjointed play.”
The series will continue with Game 4 on Monday night in Raleigh, as both teams vie for the advantage.