The Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes woke up.
A sleepy first period gave way to a fast-paced second as the Caps and 'Canes are tied at 1-1 after 40 minutes.
Brooks Laich thought he had given the Caps a 1-0 lead at 3:34 when he crashed the net. As Laich attempted to stuff the puck past Cam Ward, he lost his balance and fell into the crease. Yet, as he was falling, Laich was somehow able to push the puck past Ward. The official originally ruled it as a goal, but after review, the call was overturned and the game remained scoreless.
Alexander Semin restored Washington's 1-0 lead at 16:57. Marcus Johansson brought the puck into the offensive zone and left it for Semin at the point. Semin took his time and pump faked as he drew closer to the net before firing a top shelf past Cam Ward's glove hand. It was Semin's 11th goal of the season and 27th against the Hurricanes, the most of his career against any team.
That lead, however, did not last long as Jussi Jokinen was able to corral the puck during a scramble in front and put it past Tomas Vokoun at 19:43.
Shots are 26-13 in favor of Carolina.