Washington tried to hold the door — but Carolina brought a Category 5 playoff storm instead.
Welp, somebody call the Weather Channel — because the Carolina Hurricanes just stormed through D.C. and sent the Capitals packing with a 3-1 Game 5 win and a series mic drop.
From puck drop, the Canes played like a team that had brunch reservations they weren’t going to miss. Sebastian Aho skated like he owed the puck money, and Frederik Andersen turned into a brick wall dipped in Flex Seal™.
Meanwhile, the Capitals looked like they accidentally showed up for a preseason game in February. Alex Ovechkin? Still dangerous, still furious, still wondering why no one else remembered to bring offense. It was like he was trying to carry a grand piano uphill alone — wearing skates.
Carolina’s third-period goal basically shut the door, locked it, and threw the key into the Potomac. By the time the horn sounded, the Caps were already halfway emotionally packed for offseason golf and fishing trips.
Series? Over. 4-1.
Washington gets the early vacation. Carolina? They’re cruising into Round 2 on a wave of forechecks, blocked shots, and iced-out confidence.
Next stop: Whoever dares stand in their way. And spoiler alert — the Canes are not in the mood for small talk.
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