The Capitals remained on the power play after Alex Ovechkin threw Eric Staal into the boards midway through the second period, and Alexander Semin scored to restore Washington's two-goal lead.

BURNING QUESTION

After they were outplayed Tuesday, do the Canes have enough left in the tank to win tonight and Friday to lock up the division?

NUMBER TO KNOW

83

Shots on goal for the Capitals in the past two meetings with the Hurricanes after taking 39 on Tuesday. The Canes are averaging 28.9 shots against per game.

N&O'S THREE STARS

1. Cristobal Huet, Washington Had to make only 21 saves, but that included a key short-handed stop on Scott Walker in the second period with the Canes down a goal.

2. Mike Green, Washington High-scoring defenseman set up two goals to give him 53 points on the season.

3. Sergei Fedorov, Washington Two assists to go with a 12-for-18 night in the faceoff circle.