For part of Monday night, the Washington Capitals stunk. For other parts, they tried desperately to remain with the Carolina Hurricanes — and just about did. But think about that for a second. It feels as if the Capitals are merely trying to hold on to this second-round Stanley Cup playoff series with the tips of their fingernails as the Hurricanes rip it away from them.

The Carolina Hurricanes are one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference finals thanks to a 5-2 victory Monday over the Washington Capitals in Game 4 of their second-round Stanley Cup playoff series in Raleigh,