The Brief The Washington Capitals were eliminated from the NHL playoffs in Game 5 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Alex Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s career goals record during the Capitals' 50th-anniversary season. The Washington Capitals were eliminated from the NHL playoffs Thursday night, falling to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 of their second-round series. Capitals' playoff run endsWhat we know:Washington struggled offensively, managing only seven goals in the series while Carolina brought pressure from the start. The Capitals advanced past Montreal in five games but never found their rhythm against the Hurricanes.