It’s too early in the NHL season for a big game, isn’t it? The Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals have been two of the best teams in the NHL this season, and the two went head to head Sunday in a Metropolitan Division game at the Lenovo Center.

Dmitry Orlov scored twice and Martin Necas provided a goal and two assists Sunday as the surging Carolina Hurricanes cooled off the visiting Washington Capitals with a 4-2 win in Raleigh, N.C.

A second-round pick (No. 55) in the 2009 NHL Draft, Orlov played for the Capitals from 2011-2023. He helped Washington win the Stanley Cup in 2018. “It’s not easy mentally and emotionally,” Orlov said of facing the Capitals. “I respect them as human beings and players. It’s special, and it’s an important win for us.”

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Washington Capitals 4-2 Sunday evening at Lenovo Center. The Canes had a hot start but then had to battle back against the Caps before sealing the game away at the end. It was a good, competitive game and here are three of my takeaways from the win.

Fresh off of an 8-2 thrashing over the Boston Bruins, the Carolina Hurricanes came into this game riding a 5-game winning streak. They’ve been on a run of playing some very strong hockey, and were ready to face a Washington Capitals team that have really surprised the hockey world with a sizzling 8-2-0 start to their season.