Svechnikov’s third period tiebreaker, Jarvis’ empty-netter help Canes eliminate Caps, advance to ECF

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The Carolina Hurricanes came buzzing into their second round Stanley Cup Playoffs series against the Washington Capitals, who led all Eastern Conference Teams with 111 regular season points.

When the series ended on Thursday night, the Canes kept buzzing. Carolina won the series-clinching Game 5, 3-1, in our nation’s capital and advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Both teams entered the first intermission tied at one goal apiece – and endured scoreless droughts for most of the second and third periods. That was, until Andrei Svechnikov continued his postseason dominance for the Canes.

With approximately two minutes remaining in the third, Svechnikov caught a pass – on his stick – from defenseman Sean Walker. Even at a tough angle to the left of Washington goalie Logan Thompson, Svechnikov fired a one-timer towards net – and converted for his seventh goal of the playoffs, sending his Carolina teammates into a frenzy.

The Caps needed a quick goal to tie, so they pulled Thompson for an extra attacker. The Canes took full advantage of this, forcing a turnover and ending the night on Seth Jarvis’ empty-netter.

Washington played much better Thursday night, particularly when you compare its performance to Game 4 Monday night in Raleigh, but Carolina proved to be the much better team.

Now, the Canes look to win their first Eastern Conference Finals game since 2009. Carolina will face either the Florida Panthers or Toronto Maple Leafs – if Florida wins Friday night, the ECF is set.