The Washington Capitals entered Hurricanes Country Monday looking to right the proverbial ship after several months of inconsistency. Yet, the winds of change did not blow as the Caps had hoped.
The only thing that has been consistent for the Caps this season has been their losing skids, one that is now at five of six after a 5-0 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Eric Staal scored twice, while Justin Faulk, Anthony Stewart and Andreas Nodl also scored for the Hurricanes, who shut out the Caps for the second straight time at RBC Center. Tomas Vokoun started the game, but did not finish it as he allowed two goals on seven shots within the first five-plus minutes. Michal Neuvirth did not fare much better, allowing three goals on 33 shots.
It was a forgettable performance for the Caps, who now only lead the cellar-dwelling Hurricanes by six points in the Eastern Conference.
Washington returns to the ice against the Ottawa Senators Wednesday at Scotiabank Place.
While on the power play, another costly turnover put the Hurricanes up by four. Dennis Wideman could not collect Marcus Johansson's pass at the point. Staal, with a burst of speed, collected the puck and beat Wideman, Mike Green and Michal Neuvirth for a shorthanded goal, his 17th overall goal of the season.
Things got chippy from there as Matt Hendricks and Derek Joslin fought twice, the first earning a roughing minor and the second a fighting major. Later, Troy Brouwer and Justin Faulk fought in the latter's first career fight.
The Hurricanes are outshooting the Caps 28-11 in an absolutely dominant display.
Two goals within the first 5:09 and one with less than a minute left have the Hurricanes up 3-0 on the Caps after 20 minutes.
Justin Faulk's goal just 3:41 into the game and 12 seconds into the Hurricanes' first power play put the Hurricanes up by one. Tomas Vokoun stopped Tim Brent's blast from the point, but left a big rebound. All Faulk had to do was corral the puck and put it past Vokoun for his sixth goal of the season.
About 90 seconds later, Anthony Stewart's seventh goal of the season gave Carolina a 2-0 lead. A Caps turnover at the blue line gave Jiri Tlusty, Eric Staal and Stewart the opportunity for a tic-tac-toe play that Stewart finished. Head coach Dale Hunter pulled Vokoun afterwards. He allowed two goals on seven shots.
The Washington Capitals have won six games in the past nine days and they'll try to pick up their seventh win on Monday night against the Carolina Hurricanes on the road. The Caps are in the middle of a four-game road trip as they head to the RBC Center.
The Hurricanes have won two of their last three games however, with the New York Islands stopping the Hurricanes short winning streak. Despite being without Tuomo Ruutu, the teams leading scorer, and Chad LaRose because of upper-body injuries the Hurricanes have been able to win four out of their last seven games as Carolina tries to get back to .500.
Location: RBC Center, Raleigh, North Carolina
Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV Schedule: NBCSN outside local viewing area, CSN in local viewing area
