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.

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.

The veteran Washington winger has been a presence for the Capitals against the Hurricanes in the NHL playoffs, and understands the urgency needed from both teams in Game 4.

The Carolina Hurricanes find themselves just one game away from the Eastern Conference Final after taking a 3-1 series lead against the Washington Capitals

Sean Walker scored late and Andrei Svechnikov added an empty-net clincher to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Washington Capitals and take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

The Washington Capitals are far from being in all-out crisis, but hopes for their season definitely don’t look good. After a staggering 4-0 loss in Raleigh on Saturday it’s become apparent that whatever strategy this team brought into the series simply isn’t working.