WASHINGTON (Interstat) — Justin Sourdif scored 4:42 into overtime to lift the Washington Capitals to a 4-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night at Capital One Arena. The Capitals erased a two-goal deficit to win in extra time before a crowd of 18,347. Carolina built a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Mark Jankowski and Sebastian Aho. Washington answered with two in the second from Hendrix Lapierre and Dylan Strome, but Shayne Gostisbehere restored Carolina’s lead later in the frame. Jakob Chychrun tied it for Washington with a third-period goal before assisting on the winner. He finished with a goal and an assist, earning top star honors. The Capitals improved to 27-29, while the Hurricanes fell to 33-21.

WASHINGTON (Interstat) — Jakob Chychrun scored the tying goal late in the third period and then set up the game-winner in overtime as the Washington Capitals rallied from a two-goal deficit to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 on Saturday night at Capital One Arena. A crowd of 18,347 watched the Capitals erase a 3-1 second-period lead before Justin Sourdif netted the decisive goal 4:42 into the extra session, securing a crucial two points for a Washington team fighting to stay in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The victory improved the Capitals to 27-29, while the Hurricanes, who entered as heavy favorites, fell to 33-21. Carolina dominated the early stages, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first period. Mark Jankowski opened the scoring at 13:27, converting a feed from William Carrier for his fifth goal of the season. Just over four minutes later, Sebastian Aho doubled the advantage with an unassisted wrist shot, his 18th, capitalizing on a turnover by Washington defenseman John Carlson. The Hurricanes extended their lead to 3-1 in the second period. Shayne Gostisbehere answered a Washington goal with a sharp wrist shot at 8:16, assisted by Jordan Martinook and Jordan Staal. Washington began its comeback earlier in that middle frame. Hendrix Lapierre cut the deficit to 2-1 at 14:52, finishing a play set up by Sonny Milano. The Capitals then pulled within one again after Gostisbehere’s goal, with Dylan Strome tipping in a point shot from Chychrun at 18:58. Aliaksei Protas earned the secondary assist on Strome’s 16th goal of the season. The third period was a tense, defensive struggle until Chychrun, the game’s first star, provided the equalizer. With just 39 seconds remaining in regulation and the Capitals pressing, the defenseman from Boca Raton, Florida, fired a wrist shot through traffic that beat Carolina goaltender Frederik Andersen. Protas and Tom Wilson were credited with assists on Chychrun’s 19th goal, which completed his two-point night. Overtime was brief but decisive. After a Washington possession sustained pressure, John Carlson moved the puck to Ethen Frank, who found Sourdif in the slot. The rookie from Richmond, Canada, made no mistake, snapping a wrist shot past Andersen for his 12th goal, triggering the home celebration. Chychrun’s performance continued a strong recent stretch, following a three-assist outing against Detroit on Thursday. For Carolina, the loss snapped a two-game winning streak and marked a missed opportunity to solidify their playoff positioning. The game featured a combined seven penalties, with Carolina’s Taylor Hall whistled for three infunctions, including a delay of game for shooting the puck over the glass. Washington’s power play, however, was unable to convert on its opportunities. Andersen made 46 saves in a losing effort for the Hurricanes, while Washington’s Clay Stevenson stopped 32 shots to earn the win. The result defied pregame projections, which heavily favored Carolina. National Statistical’s ELO system gave the Hurricanes a 58.4% probability of victory, and the simulator predicted a 3-2 Washington win. The total of seven goals surpassed the over/under line of 5.5. The Capitals will look to build on the comeback victory when they host the New York Islanders on Monday. The Hurricanes, who face a quick turnaround, will host the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday as they aim to halt their brief skid.

Preview: Hurricanes Visit Capitals in Metropolitan Division Clash WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The surging Carolina Hurricanes will look to extend their recent dominance over the struggling Washington Capitals when the Metropolitan Division rivals meet Saturday night at Capital One Arena. Carolina (33-20-0) enters on a strong run, having won seven of its last 10 games, including a 5-4 victory over the Utah Mammoth on Thursday. The Hurricanes’ offense has been potent, averaging 3.8 goals per game in that stretch. A key catalyst is forward Andrei Svechnikov, who is riding a hot streak with six goals and three assists in his last five games. He scored twice and added an assist in the win over Utah. Washington (26-29-0) has found consistency harder to come by, dropping seven of its last 10. The Capitals snapped a three-game skid with a 4-3 shootout win in Detroit on Thursday. Center Dylan Strome, who had a goal and an assist in that victory, has been a bright spot with eight points in his last 10 contests. The season series is tied 1-1. The Hurricanes earned a 3-2 shootout win here on Dec. 11, while the Capitals responded with a 4-1 victory in Raleigh on Nov. 11. Carolina’s recent success has been built on offensive depth. Beyond Svechnikov, defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere is coming off a two-goal, one-assist performance, and captain Jordan Staal has provided steady production. Washington will need to counter with a structured defensive effort and timely scoring. Defenseman Jakob Chychrun, who had three assists Thursday, will be tasked with helping slow Carolina’s attack. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, the projected final score is 3-2 in favor of Washington. The Hurricanes begin a back-to-back set, hosting Los Angeles on Sunday. The Capitals’ next game is at home against the New York Islanders on Monday. Saturday’s game is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.