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 team captain's third-period goal also broke a new NHL record. The Capitals announced, "Ovechkin scores his fifth goal of the playoffs to cut the deficit to 3-2. With the goal, Ovechkin passed Mario Lemieux (76) for the 12th-most playoff goals in NHL history.

The Hurricanes’ 5-2 win gives them a 3-1 lead in the second-round Stanley Cup playoff series, which shifts back to Washington for Game 5 Thursday.

The Washington Capitals are one loss from a postseason exit after a 5-2 defeat to the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday night. Game 4 followed a familiar pattern at the Lenovo Center.

Midway through the night, the NHL reposted a Bleacher Report's B/R Open Ice graphic celebrating Ovechkin’s 77th career playoff goal, which pushed him past Mario Lemieux for 12th place all-time in league history.

Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals continue their quest for the Stanley Cup as they battle the Hurricanes in their second-round series. Washington roared into the playoffs on the heels of a dominant regular season,