The Capitals have no other choice, trailing the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Second Round heading into Game 5 of the best-of-7 series at Capital One Arena on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; MAX, truTV, TNT, SN, TVAS). After losing the past two games on the road, Washington returns home with its season on the brink of elimination.

Connor McMichael was caught by surprise on the Washington Capitals' off day on Tuesday, as coach Spencer Carbery let him know that he'd be slotting in at center going into a do-or-die Game 5 for D.C.

The Capitals are staring down elimination in Game 5. Here's what would help them start to dig out from the 3-1 hole.

Goaltender Frederik Andersen has given Canes a comfort level with his play in net that allowed them to be aggressive and take 3-1 series lead.

The Washington Capitals are now on the brink of elimination after dropping Game 4 of their second-round playoff series to the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite being the best team in the Eastern Conference this past season,

Our Hurricanes vs. Capitals predictions expect plenty of shots to come from the stick of Shayne Gostisbehere in Game 5.

The Caps find themselves down 2-1 in their second-round playoff series against the Hurricanes, but insist they know what they need to do in Monday’s Game 4.

Capitals coach Spencer Carbery is confident heading into a massive Stanley Cup Playoff matchup against the Hurricanes.

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.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Dylan Strome smashed his stick. Spencer Carbery furrowed his brow. 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.