Hurricanes post win over Capitals in first-round of playoff series

The defending Stanley Cup champions not only lost a game Thursday, but they also lost one of their top goal-scorers. Late in the third period of Washington's 2-1 defeat against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 4 of a first-round Eastern Conference playoff series, forward T.J. Oshie hit the boards hard after a slash by Carolina's Warren Foegele. Oshie, who was in visible pain while holding his arm, did not return. Afterward, Capitals coach Todd Reirden said Oshie "won't be playing any time soon."

Reirden categorized the hit, which drew a boarding penalty, as "a dangerous play." Although Washington received the power play with 5:08 remaining, the Capitals could not net the tying goal, and the series is now even at two games apiece. The loss of Oshie, Washington's second-leading goal-scorer with 25 during the regular season, could hurt the Capitals. After the Capitals were blanked 5-0 in Game 3, Reirden moved Oshie to the top line along with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom.

The reigning NHL champions were outscored 7-1 by Carolina in losing Games 3-4 on the road after scoring four each in winning the first two games of the series at home. The Hurricanes were without rookie standout Andrei Svechnikov and winger Micheal Ferland, both injured in Game 3. The Hurricanes did have defenseman Calvin de Haan back after he got hurt late in the regular season.

Carolina lost left winger Jordan Martinook to a first-period injury. He returned briefly but sat out the final two periods due to a lower-body ailment. Game 5 will be Saturday night in Washington, and Game 6 will be Monday night in Raleigh. Game 7, if necessary, is scheduled for Wednesday in the nation's capital.