WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Washington Capitals 3-2 in a shootout Thursday night at Capital One Arena, avenging a loss from earlier this season. After a scoreless first period, Connor McMichael and Nikolaj Ehlers traded second-period goals. Nic Dowd tied it for Washington late in the third before Logan Stankoven answered for Carolina 1:45 later to force overtime. The Hurricanes secured the extra point in the shootout before an announced crowd of 18,185. Ehlers and Stankoven each had a goal and an assist for Carolina. McMichael had a goal and an assist for the Capitals, and Logan Thompson made 37 saves in the loss. Carolina improved to 19-11, while Washington fell to 18-13.

WASHINGTON (Interstat) — Nikolaj Ehlers scored a goal and added an assist in regulation before netting the decisive shootout tally, lifting the Carolina Hurricanes to a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Thursday night. The Hurricanes, who avenged a 4-1 home loss to Washington just a month prior, improved to 19-11. The Capitals fell to 18-13. A crowd of 18,185 at Capital One Arena saw a tightly contested Metropolitan Division clash that required extra time after the teams were deadlocked at 2 through regulation and a scoreless five-minute overtime. In the shootout, Carolina’s Sebastian Aho was stopped by Washington goaltender Logan Thompson. The Capitals’ Dylan Strome then hit the post. Ehlers followed by beating Thompson with a wrist shot to put Carolina ahead. Washington’s final chance rested with Alex Ovechkin, but his attempt was gloved by Hurricanes netminder Brandon Bussi to secure the extra point for the visitors. The game was a goaltending duel for much of the night. Thompson was spectacular in defeat, making 37 saves on 39 shots through overtime. Bussi was equally sharp for Carolina, turning aside 36 of 38 Washington attempts. After a scoreless first period filled with physical play and scoring chances at both ends, Washington struck first. Just 10 seconds into the second period, Connor McMichael collected a loose puck off a Carolina turnover and snapped a backhand shot past Bussi. The goal was assisted by Ovechkin and defenseman Rasmus Sandin. Carolina answered at the 6:43 mark of the middle frame. Ehlers took a feed from Logan Stankoven and wired a wrist shot from the high slot that beat Thompson cleanly. Defenseman Alexander Nikishin earned the secondary assist. The Capitals reclaimed the lead early in the third period. During a net-front scramble, Nic Dowd deflected a Sandin point shot past Bussi at the 13:32 mark, with McMichael also assisting. The Hurricanes pushed for the equalizer, applying sustained pressure, and were rewarded with just 8:15 remaining in regulation. Off a cycle in the Washington zone, Stankoven took a pass from Ehlers and fired a quick wrist shot from the right circle that found space over Thompson’s shoulder. Defenseman Jalen Chatfield started the sequence with a keep-in at the blue line. Both teams had chances to win in overtime. Thompson made a critical pad save on a Carolina breakaway, while Bussi stood tall during a Washington power play, which carried over from the final minutes of the third period after a Carolina interference penalty. Ehlers and Stankoven each finished with a goal and an assist for Carolina. Sandin had two assists for Washington, while McMichael had a goal and an assist. The game featured several penalties, including a fighting major to both Carolina’s Jordan Martinook and Washington’s Dowd just two seconds into the third period, setting a physical tone for the final frame. Carolina, which defeated Columbus 4-1 in its previous game, will continue its road trip in Philadelphia on Saturday. Washington, coming off a 2-0 win over Columbus, begins a three-game road trip in Winnipeg on Saturday.

Preview: Hurricanes at Capitals, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 WASHINGTON (Interstat) — Two Metropolitan Division teams trending in opposite directions will clash Thursday night when the Washington Capitals host the Carolina Hurricanes at Capital One Arena. The Capitals (18-12-0) enter on a high, having won five of their last six games, including a 2-0 shutout of the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday. Goaltender Logan Thompson has been central to that surge, posting a 5-0-1 record in his last six starts with a .957 save percentage. He stopped all 39 shots he faced against Columbus. “He’s seeing the puck extremely well and giving us a chance to win every night,” Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said of Thompson. “That stability in net is contagious.” Conversely, the Hurricanes (17-11-0) are looking to halt a skid after a 4-1 home loss to the San Jose Sharks on Sunday. That defeat followed a 6-3 win over Nashville and a 5-1 loss to Toronto, highlighting recent inconsistency. Captain Jordan Staal, who scored Carolina’s lone goal against San Jose, has been a bright spot with four goals in his last nine games. “We know the level we need to bring, especially in this building against a division opponent,” Staal said. “It’s about responding with a complete effort.” The Capitals won the first meeting this season, 4-1 in Carolina on Nov. 11. Washington’s recent success has been built on balanced scoring and stout defense, allowing just nine goals over their last six games. Defenseman Jakob Chychrun, who scored against Columbus, has provided offensive punch from the blue line. Carolina, which ranks near the top of the league in shots per game, will need to solve Thompson and convert its chances. The Hurricanes’ upcoming schedule offers no respite, with a back-to-back in Philadelphia looming this weekend. Thursday’s contest is the first of four meetings this season between the division rivals. With both teams jockeying for position in a tight Metropolitan Division, the matchup carries early-season significance. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.