Pregame analysis and predictions of the Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals NHL game to be played on May 15, 2025 on ESPN.

Edmonton's Corey Perry scored two goals in the first period of Game 3, becoming the third-oldest player in Stanley Cup playoff history with a multigoal period; at 39 years, 359 days old, he is behind Nicklas Lidstrom (41) and Teemu Selanne (40) at the time they had a multigoal period in a playoff game.

Washington Capitals' Connor McMichael (24) controls the puck with Carolina Hurricanes' Eric Robinson (50) in pursuit during the third period of Game 3 of an NHL hockey Semi-final round playoff series in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, May 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker) AP

With eight teams eliminated, let's rank the remaining potential matchups — from worst to best — based purely on narratives and vibes.

Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals will face the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 4 of this NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs matchup on Monday.

The Washington Capitals face the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 of the second-round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The game will be broadcast at 6 p.m. ET on TNT/truTV. If you don’t have cable, here’s how you can watch the game.

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 entered the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs as one of the top teams in the NHL. With a 51-22-9 record, the Capitals finished atop the Eastern