The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Washington Capitals 4-3 in a game decided in a shootout Wednesday night at PNC Arena.
After a rocky defensive start, the Canes settled down and were able to find offensive success thanks in large part to left winger Nathan Gerbe, who scored both the game-tying goal and the decisive goal in the shootout.
Only 20 seconds into the contest, left winger Alexander Ovechkin split two Hurricanes defensemen, including Jaccob Slavin — a prospect looking to earn a roster spot — and used a nifty move to beat goaltender Eddie Lack.
“Obviously our young D got some experience here tonight,” head coach Bill Peters said. “Quite the moment for Jaccob Slavin to start the game, but that’s the National Hockey League.”
Carolina responded a few minutes later when newly acquired right winger Kris Versteeg set up center Elias Lindholm, who was waiting in the slot, with a beautiful pass that resulted in a goal.
The Caps answered 32 seconds later with a goal from right winger Stanislav Galiev.
Lack, who is battling Cam Ward this preseason for the starting goalie spot, didn’t help his case early by giving up two goals on the first two Capitals shots of the game, but his play improved as he settled into the contest.
“I thought Eddie was real good once he settled down,” Peters said. “He made a big save in the shootout to keep it going.”
In the second period, Washington center Michael Latta made it 3-1 on a rebound goal after Lack made a save on the initial shot.
It took the Canes only 30 seconds to respond, however, as center Riley Nash beat Capitals goalie Braden Holtby with a quick shot from the slot.
Back-to-back Washington penalties in a span of 30 seconds gave the Hurricanes a 5-on-3 power play, and Carolina took advantage, as center Nathan Gerbe set up in prime scoring position, receiving a pass from captain Eric Staal and ripping it over the goalie’s shoulder to tie the game at 3-3.
After a scoreless third period the teams headed into overtime.
Both sides produced high quality scoring chances in the newly implemented 3-on-3 overtime, but neither team could find a way to score, sending the game into the always entertaining shootout.
Following a goal from each squad, Gerbe scored and Lack made a save on the final Capitals shooter to seal the 4-3 victory for Carolina.
The Canes will now work on finalizing the roster as the team concludes the preseason Friday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Raleigh.
“Tuesday, I believe, is the day we’ve got to submit our roster of 23,” Peters said. “These kids have done a real good job, but I think it’s time to get our group together and move forward.”
