🌪️ 🦅
2025-26 regular season

Hurricanes at Capitals

🗓 📍 Capital One Arena, Washington 🔁 Season series tied 1–1

Hurricanes beat Capitals 3–2 in a shootout at Capital One Arena on December 11, 2025.

CAR – WSH
39–25
Shots on goal
29–21
Hits
10–21
Blocked shots
7–3
Takeaways
⚔️ Head-to-head

The game

The stars, every goal, the box score and the recap
Head-to-head →

Three stars

Best games by the box score
1st star 🌪️ CAR
Nikolaj Ehlers
1 G, 1 A
6 shots · 17:54 TOI
2nd star 🌪️ CAR
Logan Stankoven
1 G, 1 A
4 shots · 16:54 TOI
3rd star 🦅 WSH
Connor McMichael
1 G, 1 A
1 shots · 18:27 TOI

Scoring

5 goals · in order
2nd period
🦅 Connor McMichael Go-ahead 2nd · 05:00
0–1
🌪️ Nikolaj Ehlers Tying 2nd · 13:43
1–1
3rd period
🦅 Nic Dowd Go-ahead 3rd · 11:32
1–2
🌪️ Logan Stankoven Tying 3rd · 17:45
2–2
Shootout
🌪️ Seth Jarvis Go-ahead SO · 00:00
Unassisted
3–2

Game recap

AI

Hurricanes Edge Capitals 3-2 in Overtime Thriller

In a riveting matchup, the Carolina Hurricanes pulled off a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals in overtime. The game was tightly contested throughout, with both teams fighting hard for every inch on the rink. Ultimately, the Hurricanes seized the momentum in the extra period to secure the win.

Big Picture

This game showcased the intensity that both teams brought to the ice. The Capitals opened the scoring with Connor McMichael's goal in the second period, assisted by the legendary Alex Ovechkin. However, the Hurricanes responded with poise, finding the equalizer not long after with Nikolaj Ehlers netting a goal. The contest remained deadlocked, highlighting both teams' defensive structures and goaltending efforts. The final result, decided during overtime, reveals the competitive nature of both clubs and sets the stage for what fans can expect as the season unfolds.

Turning Point

The critical moment in this game came in the 13:43 mark of the second period when Nikolaj Ehlers scored for the Hurricanes. This goal not only tied the game but also shifted the momentum firmly into their favor. The Hurricanes gained confidence from the equalizer, and their play improved significantly as they constructed scoring opportunities, putting the pressure on the Capitals' defense. This momentum shift provided the groundwork for their ultimate overtime goal, sealing the win.

Standout Performances

Connor McMichael was a key player for the Capitals, delivering an impressive opening goal, showcasing his talent and positioning on the ice. Ovechkin's assist emphasized his continuous role as a pivotal playmaker, adding to his legacy as one of the league's greats.

For the Hurricanes, Nikolaj Ehlers not only scored the crucial tying goal but also was instrumental in keeping the offensive pressure on the Capitals' goaltender. Ehlers' performance demonstrated his ability to deliver during critical moments, making him a player to watch moving forward.

What It Means

The outcome is significant for both teams. For the Hurricanes, this victory keeps their momentum strong as they inch closer to the playoff picture. For the Capitals, a close loss serves as a reminder that every game counts, especially in a tightly contested season. The competitive nature of this matchup bodes well for both franchises as they strive for success in the weeks ahead. Fans can expect even more thrilling games like this one as the season progresses.

Lines & pairings

Estimated from ice time
🌪️Hurricanes
L1 Aho · Jarvis · Blake 20:30
L2 Ehlers · Staal · Svechnikov 17:54
L3 Martinook · Carrier · Stankoven 13:26
L4 Hall · Robinson · Jankowski 10:56
D1 Gostisbehere · Miller 23:22
D2 Chatfield · Walker 22:50
D3 Nikishin · Nystrom 14:21
🦅Capitals
L1 Protas · Strome · Wilson 22:05
L2 Beauvillier · McMichael · Sourdif 18:52
L3 Ovechkin · Frank · Dowd 14:43
L4 Milano · Lapierre · Duhaime 6:09
D1 Chychrun · Roy 23:42
D2 Carlson · van Riemsdyk 20:04
D3 Sandin · Fehervary 17:42

Team stats

Away left · home right
🌪️CAR WSH🦅
39 Shots on goal 25
29 Hits 21
10 Blocked shots 21
7 Takeaways 3
16 Giveaways 10
7 Penalty minutes 9
CAR shooting 7.7% (3/39) WSH shooting 8.0% (2/25)

Goaltending

Saves, shots faced and save percentage
🌪️Hurricanes
23/25
.920 SV% · 2 GA · 64:56 TOI
🦅Capitals
37/39
.949 SV% · 2 GA · 65:00 TOI

Where the goals came from

4 of 5 goals located
Connor McMichael · 2nd 05:00 · 0–1 Nikolaj Ehlers · 2nd 13:43 · 1–1 Nic Dowd · 3rd 11:32 · 1–2 Logan Stankoven · 3rd 17:45 · 2–2
CAR WSH
The net is on the right for both teams. Hover a dot for the goal.

Period by period

AI
After 1st — 0–0
Hurricanes
Hurricanes — tied after 1st: 5-3 (62% win rate, 8 games)
Capitals
Capitals — tied after 1st: 4-4-1 (44% win rate, 9 games)
After 2nd — 1–1
Hurricanes
Hurricanes — tied after 2nd: 4-3-1 (50% win rate, 8 games)
Capitals
Capitals — tied after 2nd: 2-3-2 (29% win rate, 7 games)
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Questions and what's next

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CAR vs WSH, answered

Who won Hurricanes vs Capitals on December 11, 2025?

Hurricanes won 3–2 in a shootout. The final score was Hurricanes 3, Capitals 2.

Who scored for Hurricanes?

Logan Stankoven, Nikolaj Ehlers.

Who scored for Capitals?

Connor McMichael, Nic Dowd.

How did the Hurricanes goalie play?

Brandon Bussi made 23 saves on 25 shots (.920 save percentage).

How did the Capitals goalie play?

Logan Thompson made 37 saves on 39 shots (.949 save percentage).

Where is Hurricanes vs Capitals played?

At Capital One Arena in Washington, the Capitals home rink.

What is the Hurricanes vs Capitals season series?

Season series tied 1–1 after 2 games.

Have a different question? Ask the Oracle — it answers from real box scores.