When things could not get any worse for the Washington Capitals, they did.

Eric Staal's shorthanded goal has the Carolina Hurricanes on top of the Caps 4-0 after 40 minutes.

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.