Thursday night in Raleigh delivered the kind of hockey chaos fans dream about but rarely get to witness. Down 4-2 with just two minutes left, the Carolina Hurricanes flipped the script in stunning fashion-scoring three goals in under 90 seconds to pull off a jaw-dropping 5-4 win over the Mammoth. It was a comeback that didn’t just steal two points-it made history.
Andrei Svechnikov and Shayne Gostisbehere each netted two, while Jordan Staal capped the rally with the game-winner, sending PNC Arena into a frenzy. For a team that stumbled out of the gate in 2026 with back-to-back losses, the Hurricanes are suddenly surging.
They’ve now won nine of their last 12, outscoring opponents by 20 goals over that stretch. That’s not just a hot streak-it’s a team finding its stride at the right time.
Tonight, Carolina wraps up January with the first leg of a back-to-back, and all signs point to Frederik Andersen getting the nod in net. Andersen has quietly started to round into form after some early-season struggles, giving the Canes much-needed stability between the pipes.
Capitals Looking for Answers
The Washington Capitals come into this one in a very different place. Since their last meeting with the Hurricanes on December 11-a game that saw Logan Stankoven force overtime late and Seth Jarvis win it in the shootout-the Caps have struggled to find consistency. They've managed just eight wins in their last 25 games, sliding out of the Metropolitan Division’s top three and currently sitting outside the Wild Card picture.
With the Atlantic Division hoarding Wild Card spots, the path to the playoffs for Metro teams is looking narrower by the day. Washington needs a spark, and fast.
Tonight could also carry a bit of historical weight. If this is indeed Alex Ovechkin’s final season, this might be the last time he faces Carolina in the regular season.
Ovechkin has been a force against the Canes throughout his career-53 goals and 110 points in 95 games. He’s added a goal and two assists in two meetings this season and remains tied with Tom Wilson for the team lead in both goals (22) and points (46).
Even in what might be his swan song, Ovi still finds ways to impact games.
Goaltending Woes in Washington
The Capitals are facing a bit of a goalie crisis. Logan Thompson was injured earlier in the week against Seattle, and Charlie Lindgren had to be helped off the ice after Thursday’s shootout win over Detroit.
That leaves the crease situation murky heading into tonight. If neither is good to go, Clay Stevenson could be called upon to step in-a tough ask against a red-hot Hurricanes team.
Capitals Players to Watch
Justin Sourdif - Acquired from Florida in the offseason, Sourdif has made the most of his opportunity in D.C. After being buried on the Panthers’ depth chart, he’s found new life with the Caps.
Now tied for sixth on the team in goals and sitting in the top 10 in scoring, the 23-year-old is showing why he was once a top prospect. His first NHL hat trick came earlier this month against Anaheim, and he’s playing with the kind of confidence that could help jumpstart Washington’s offense.
John Carlson - While Jakob Chychrun might get more headlines for his goal totals, Carlson is still the engine on Washington’s blue line. He leads all Capitals defensemen with 43 points and has a team-best 34 assists.
He’s also on pace to surpass his goal totals from the past three seasons. Against Carolina, Carlson has been a consistent producer-44 points in 60 games, second only to his output against New Jersey.
Hurricanes Players to Watch
Jaccob Slavin - Slavin hasn’t faced the Capitals yet this season due to injury, but he’s no stranger to making big plays against Washington. His overtime winner in Game 1 of last year’s playoff series helped set the tone for Carolina’s series victory. While scoring isn’t his calling card, Slavin has quietly picked up assists in two of his last three games and remains one of the most reliable two-way defensemen in the league.
Jalen Chatfield - Thursday night was a bit of a roller coaster for Chatfield. A miscue in the neutral zone led to a Mammoth goal, but he bounced back in a big way-earning the secondary assist on Staal’s game-winner.
That’s three assists in his last two games, including a multi-point night in Ottawa. He’s starting to find his rhythm offensively, and the Canes are better for it.
What’s at Stake
For Carolina, it’s about keeping the momentum going. With the team heating up and Andersen finding his form, this is a chance to close out January on a high note before diving into the February grind.
For Washington, it’s about survival. With the playoff picture tightening and goaltending depth being tested, the Capitals need points-desperately. And if this is Ovechkin’s last dance with the Canes, expect him to try and leave his mark one more time.
Puck drops tonight, and with the way these two teams have played each other lately, we could be in for another thriller.