The Hurricanes’ 5-2 win gives them a 3-1 lead in the second-round Stanley Cup playoff series, which shifts back to Washington for Game 5 Thursday.

The veteran Washington winger has been a presence for the Capitals against the Hurricanes in the NHL playoffs, and understands the urgency needed from both teams in Game 4.

As much as the Hurricanes won Game 4, the Capitals lost it with a lack of execution at too many key times. Like in Game 3, they had chances in the first 10 minutes to seize control of the game. They couldn't finish.

The team captain's third-period goal also broke a new NHL record. The Capitals announced, "Ovechkin scores his fifth goal of the playoffs to cut the deficit to 3-2. With the goal, Ovechkin passed Mario Lemieux (76) for the 12th-most playoff goals in NHL history.

The Hurricanes beat the Capitals, 5-2, on Monday night to take a 3-1 lead in their second-round playoff series.

We have a pair of Game 4s ahead of us in tonight's NHL playoff action. The Carolina Hurricanes can take a 3-1 series lead with a win against the Washington Capi

Midway through the night, the NHL reposted a Bleacher Report's B/R Open Ice graphic celebrating Ovechkin’s 77th career playoff goal, which pushed him past Mario Lemieux for 12th place all-time in league history.

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.