The Carolina Hurricanes now have a 3-1 stranglehold on the series after winning 5-2 in Game 4 on Monday night (May 12) against the Washington Capitals.

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. But think about that for a second. It feels as if the Capitals are merely trying to hold on to this second-round Stanley Cup playoff series with the tips of their fingernails as the Hurricanes rip it away from them.