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It seems apropos that the Carolina Hurricanes are sweeping through Verizon Center Tuesday because the Washington Capitals are hearing warning sirens.
After losing back-to-back shutout games at home, the Caps look to just score in another pivotal game against the 'Canes.
It has been a week - a span of two games - since the Caps last scored; they have been shutout in eight of the nine periods they have played during the homestand. It has been nearly 11 years since that has happened.
Because of the Winnipeg Jets' 3-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres, the Caps are still in ninth place in the Eastern Conference, three points behind the Jets. A win Tuesday would keep them on the outside looking in, but it would be a step in the right direction.
The Hurricanes will start a five-game road trip in Washington Tuesday after a 1-2-3 homestand. Washington has won three of five games in the series with Carolina this season, but has lost the last two by a combined score of 8-0.