The Washington Capitals' storybook season is on the line, and on Thursday, they'll have to pull off a win against the high-flying Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 to stave off elimination.

As much as the Hurricanes won Game 4, the Capitals lost it with a lack of execution at too many key times. Like in Game 3, they had chances in the first 10 minutes to seize control of the game. They couldn't finish.

Capitals coach Spencer Carbery is confident heading into a massive Stanley Cup Playoff matchup against the Hurricanes.

The Washington Capitals aren't oblivious to what's going on. And now, with the season on the line, they're ready to do something about it.

The Capitals better start finishing their scoring chances the way they did during the regular season if they plan to push this series against the Hurricanes beyond Game 5 at Capital One Arena on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; MAX, truTV, TNT, SN, TVAS).

The Carolina Hurricanes twice found their two-goal margin halved in the third period of their latest playoff game with the Washington Capitals. Each time they found a prompt response.

The Washington Capitals entered the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs as one of the top teams in the NHL. With a 51-22-9 record, the Capitals finished atop the Eastern

For part of Monday night, the Washington Capitals stunk. For other parts, they tried desperately to remain with the Carolina Hurricanes — and just about did. But think about that for a second. It feels as if the Capitals are merely trying to hold on to this second-round Stanley Cup playoff series with the tips of their fingernails as the Hurricanes rip it away from them.