Hurricanes defeat Capitals 4-0, take 2-1 series lead in game 3

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Washington Capitals by 4-0 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Second Round on Saturday night at Lenovo Center, taking a 2-1 series lead.

Frederik Andersen recorded a 21-save shutout, ultimately becoming the game-changer for his team despite early pressure from the Capitals. Washington had a few scoring opportunities, but Andersen kept them off the board.

Carolina broke the deadlock at 12:34 of the second period when Andrei Svechnikov capitalized on a loose puck after a faceoff. He fired a quick shot past Capitals' goalie Logan Thompson to give the Hurricanes a 1-0 lead. Just before the second period ended, Jack Roslovic doubled Carolina's advantage with a power-play goal at 18:57. Roslovic, positioned in the left circle, beat Thompson with a snap shot from the short side, making it 2-0.

In the third period, Eric Robinson added a breakaway goal at 3:14, skating past Washington defenseman John Carlson and chipping the puck over Thompson's shoulder to make it 3-0. Jackson Blake then sealed the victory with a power-play goal at 16:44, scoring off a rebound and slipping the puck under Thompson to make it 4-0.

The Capitals struggled to generate offense, despite solid play by Thompson, who made 24 saves. They managed just 10 shots in the final 39 minutes of the game and failed to capitalize on any of their early chances.

Washington will need to regroup and find a way to break through Andersen’s strong play if they hope to even the series.

But for now, the Hurricanes lead the best-of-seven series 2-1, with Game 4 set for Monday night in Raleigh.