By Pat Welter

RALEIGH — Alex Ovechkin entered the night 4 goals shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record. The Canes also entered the game one point shy of clinching their 7th straight playoff appearance. Pretty high stakes for the Metro division leaders.

Defense leading to offense to start for Carolina. Freddie Andersen with a big save on a Capitals two on one, resulted in a chance at the other end. Sean Walker fired through traffic in the slot and beat Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson for the 1-0 lead about 5 minutes into the first period.

Canes continued the pressure with a power play with 10 minutes remaining in the period. Jackson Blake with his 13th goal of the season, and the 5th straight game Carolina has had a power play goal for a 2-0 lead.

Power play staying hot a few minutes later. With 6:55 left in the period the Canes back on special teams. Shayne Gostisbehere set up Seth Jarvis perfectly for a one-time slap shot. Jarvis 30th goal of the season.  First time Carolina has had multiple power play goals since December 7th versus the New York Islanders.  3-0 Canes.  Jarvis just the 7th Canes player with multiple 30 goal seasons before the age of 24.

Canes finish the first period outshooting Washington 12-5. They killed off 2 Washington powerplays, Canes 2-2 on the power play. 

Source: wralsportsfan.com