Photo by Gregg Forwerck /NHLI via Getty Images

The Washington Capitals downed the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2 Sunday afternoon at the PNC Arena in Raleigh. The victory improves the Capitals record to 14-3-5 (33 points) on the season and gives the Capitals sole possession of first place in the Metropolitan Division and the most points in the NHL.

After a scoreless first frame, the Capitals opened the scoring in the middle frame with a  goal from Alex Ovechkin, his 19th tally of the season and 749th of his NHL career. The Capitals quickly followed with a goal from Aliaksei Protas, his first career NHL goal, for a 2-0 lead at the second intermission.

The ‘Canes would cut the Caps lead to one with a goal from Jasperi Kotkaniemi early in the final frame to make it 2-1. The ‘Canes would tie it late with a goal from Nino Niederreiter, but Dmitry Orlov would reinstate the Capitals lead with a late power play goal. John Carlson would add an empty net goal for the 4-2 victory.

STATS

• NHL box score
• Natural Stat Trick
• MoneyPuck

STARTERS

Ilya Samsonov (8-0-0-1, 2.30 GAA, .915 sv%) got the start between the pipes for the visiting Capitals. Freddie Andersen  (11-3–0-0, 1.90 GAA, .936 sv%) got the start in goal for the Hurricanes. The starting forward lines and defensive pairs for the Capitals:

Scratches: T.J. Oshie (lower-body injury), Nicklas Backstrom (hip ), Anthony Mantha (lower-body), Justin Schultz (lower-doy), Conor Sheary and Matt Irwin.

FIRST PERIOD

The Capitals and Hurricanes skated to a scoreless draw in the first frame.

Carolina led in shot attempts 16-14 and in xGF .64 to .40. Carolina was 0 for 2 on the power play while the Capitals did not have a man advantage in the first frame.

‘Carolina won the battle at the dot 68-33%

SECOND PERIOD

The Capitals opened the scoring with a goal from Alex Ovechkin (19) at 11:58 of the second period. Dmitry Orlov (8) and Tom Wilson (13) had the helpers.

Knock, knock. Who’s there?

It’s Alex Ovechkin (@ovi8) on the doorstep. 🚪 pic.twitter.com/yjvUBJJAax

— NHL (@NHL) November 28, 2021

The Capitals would quickly make it 2-0 with a tally from Aliaksei Protas (1) at 12:57 of the second period. John Carlson was credited with the lone assist. It was Protas’ first career NHL goal.

Welcome to the NHL, Aliaksei Protas!!!

Protas’ first career goal give the Capitals a 2-0 lead in Carolina!

(That’s two goals for the top line today) pic.twitter.com/jld9by61Zu

— NBC Sports Washington (@NBCSWashington) November 28, 2021

The period would end with the Capitals leading 2-0. The Capitals led in shot attempts 22-14.

THIRD PERIOD

The Hurricanes cut the Capitals lead to 2-1 with a goal from Jasperi Kotkaniemi (5) at 6:25 of the third period. Jordan Martinook (5) and Tony D’Angelo (16) had the assists.

Picked his spot 🎯 pic.twitter.com/61xSEqQfhe

— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) November 28, 2021

The Canes would tie the game late in the frame with a goal from Nino Niederreiter (4) at 13:32 of the final frame. Martin Necas (8) had the assist.

What a play!! pic.twitter.com/kdbQPL0lp5

— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) November 28, 2021

The Capitals would retake the lead with a power play goal from Dmitry Orlov (4) at 17:05 of the final frame.

Orlov puts the Caps ahead late in the third pic.twitter.com/eyyHMQuG3D

— Hockey Realm (@hockey_realm) November 28, 2021

John Carlson would add an empty net goal for the 4-2 score.

The Capitals are back in action on Tuesday when they visit the Florida Panthers in Sunrise, Florida.

SHAVINGS

• Alex Ovechkin scores his 19th goal of the season, which ranks second in the NHL. That’s his 749th goal,
• With his goal, Ovechkin extends his point streak to five games (7g, 4a).
• Aliaksei Protas scored to give the Caps a 2-0 lead, his first career goal.
• Ilya Samsonov made 30 saves against Carolina and improves to 9-0-1 on the season. Samsonov has won his last six starts and is the only goaltender in the NHL this season with at least six starts and zero regulation losses.
• John Carlson’s 22 points (5g, 17a) in 22 games this season leads all NHL defensemen.
• Over their last 12 games, which dates back to Nov. 6, Washington’s 96.4 penalty kill percentage ranks first in the NHL (one power play goal against on 28 opponent power play opportunities).
• Three of Dmitry Orlov’s four goals this season have been game-winning goals, which leads the team.
• Orlov recorded two points (1g, 1a) against Carolina, marking his third multi-point game this season and the 26th of his career.

SCENES FROM RALEIGH

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