The Carolina Hurricanes host the Washington Capitals at Lenovo Center tonight at 6:00 PM ET for Game 3 of their second-round playoff series. The series is tied 1–1 after Carolina took Game 1 and Washington responded with a Game 2 win. Both teams are looking to seize momentum in this pivotal game 3 of this Eastern Conference semifinal matchup.

 

Recent Performance

Carolina Hurricanes (Series Tied 1-1)
The Hurricanes displayed a structured defensive game to open up the series but fell short in game 2. This team has the ability to showcase their offensive depth and structured play again here tonight on home ice. Sebastian Aho leads Carolina with 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists) in the postseason, while Andrei Svechnikov has tallied 5 goals. Goaltender Frederik Andersen has been solid, posting a 5-1-1 record with a 2.01 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage. Overall this team has seen scoring from every position in their lineup.

 

Washington Capitals (Series Tied 1-1)
The Capitals overcame the loss in game 1 of the series with an outstanding effort in five 2, relying on balanced scoring and strong goaltending. Dylan Strome leads the team with 10 points (2 goals, 8 assists), and Connor McMichael has contributed 4 goals. Goaltender Logan Thompson has been the backbone of this Capitals team, recording a 5-1-1 record with a 2.01 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage in the playoffs this year.

 

Team Records and Trends

Carolina Hurricanes

• Home Record (2025 playoffs): 3–1
• Power Play: 28%
• Penalty Kill: 95%
• Record vs. WSH (this season): 3–2–1

 

Washington Capitals

• Away Record (2025 playoffs): 3–0–1
• Power Play: 22.2%
• Penalty Kill: 71.4%
• Record vs. CAR (this season): 2–3–1

 

Key Players to Watch

Carolina Hurricanes

• Sebastian Aho – Aho leads the Hurricanes in postseason scoring with 9 points, including 6 assists. His playmaking and two-way game are critical to Carolina’s success. He is also a better performer on home ice.
• Andrei Svechnikov – Svechnikov has been the team’s top goal scorer with 5 goals, providing a consistent offensive threat especially on the powerplay.

 

Washington Capitals

• Dylan Strome – Strome has been the Capitals’ offensive catalyst, leading the team with 10 points and living up to his 1st line centerman potential. His vision and passing have been instrumental in setting up scoring opportunities.
• Connor McMichael – McMichael’s 4 goals in the playoffs highlight his scoring ability and importance to Washington’s attack.

 

Injury Report

Carolina Hurricanes

• Mark Jankowski – Out

 

Washington Capitals

• Martin Fehervary – Out

 

Goaltending Matchup

Carolina Hurricanes

• Frederik Andersen – Confirmed starter. Andersen has been reliable in net this postseason for the Hurricanes carrying a 1.55 goals-against average, and a .930 save percentage in the playoffs. His experience helps keep this younger group of players grounded knowing they have a reliable goaltender.

 

Washington Capitals

• Logan Thompson – Confirmed starter. Thompson has matched Andersen’s stats with a 5-1-1 record, a 2.01 goals-against average, and a .931 save percentage, providing stability for Washington.

 

Game Outlook

With the series tied, Game 3 becomes a crucial contest for both teams. The Hurricanes will look to leverage their home ice advantage and structured play, while the Capitals aim to build on their Game 2 momentum and strong goaltending. Expect a tightly contested game as both teams vie for control of the series.

 

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