North6ix Recap: Round 2 - Game 5 - Washington vs Carolina

(Picture via USA Today)

On May 15, 2025, the Carolina Hurricanes secured a 3–1 victory over the Washington Capitals in Game 5 of their second-round NHL playoff series, clinching the series 4–1 and advancing to the Eastern Conference Final for the second time in three seasons. Reuters

The game remained scoreless until the third period when Jordan Staal netted his first goal of the postseason, giving Carolina a 1–0 lead.  Washington responded with a goal from Anthony Beauvillier, tying the game at 1–1.  However, with just under two minutes remaining, Andrei Svechnikov scored his eighth goal of the playoffs, putting the Hurricanes ahead 2–1.  Seth Jarvis sealed the win with an empty-net goal, finalizing the score at 3–1. Reuters

Goaltender Frederik Andersen was instrumental in the Hurricanes' victory, making 18 saves and limiting the Capitals to a single goal.  Carolina's defense was particularly effective throughout the series, holding Washington to just seven goals over five games. Reuters

The Capitals' playoff run concluded with this loss, despite a season highlighted by captain Alexander Ovechkin surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s career goal record at age 39.  As the offseason approaches, Washington faces decisions regarding salary cap management, free agency, and draft strategies to maintain competitiveness. The Times of India

The Hurricanes now await the winner of the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs series in the Eastern Conference Final.