How the Capitals Can Actually Come Back

The Washington Capitals are facing elimination, trailing the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 in their playoff series. While the odds aren’t in their favor, a comeback isn’t out of the question. If the Caps want to flip the script, they’ll need to make serious adjustments—starting now.

Fire More Shots on Net

Offensive pressure has been sorely lacking. In Game 1, the Capitals managed just 14 shots on goal. They bumped that up to 21 in each of the next three games, but that’s still not enough—especially when compared to Carolina’s relentless pace.

Washington has to simplify: no more over-passing or waiting for the perfect setup. Just shoot. Every puck on net creates a chance for a rebound, a deflection, or a lucky bounce. With goal scorers like Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson, volume shooting could finally tilt the ice in their favor.

 Fix the Power Play—Fast

The power play has been a mess. In Game 4, the Caps went 1-for-5, including a wasted four-minute opportunity that produced zero shots.

This unit doesn’t need a total overhaul, but it does need urgency and creativity. Washington must find ways to enter the zone cleanly, move the puck faster, and take advantage of Carolina’s aggressive penalty kill. If they can draw penalties and actually capitalize, it could be a game-changer.

Stop Playing Carolina’s Game

Right now, the Hurricanes are dictating everything—tempo, physicality, and puck possession. They’re forcing the Caps to play reactively instead of assertively.

Washington has to flip that script. That means getting back to its own identity: play heavy, hold the puck down low, and make Carolina defend for extended stretches. The Capitals are at their best when they grind teams down. It’s time to get back to that.

Pray the Lineup Changes Work

Lars Eller has been iffy this postseason and has gotten a lot of the fan blame (probably too much if we’re being honest). But that entire third line has been horrible this series. Reports from practice indicate that the Capitals have decided to make some changes, with Eller being benched and Connor McMichael shifting to center. It’s risky, especially since McMichael has been one of the top performers for the Caps this postseason, but at some point you have to take chances. This move may also help rookie Ryan Leonard, who has struggled to get going this postseason. 

Final Thoughts

The Capitals have climbed out of a 3-1 hole before—this isn’t new territory. (OK, it hasn’t happened since 2009, when Ryan Leonard was in preschool, but work with me here). For that tio happen, they’ll need a massive shift in execution, energy, and mindset to do it again. Is it possible? Yes. But they’ve got to want it more—and show it fast.

Game 5 will tell us everything.