Hurricanes’ defense shuts down the Capitals, 4-1

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The defense did everything for the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night, from scoring to shutting down the Washington Capitals’ potent offense.

Cam Ward made 31 saves, and Rod Brind’Amour and defensemen Joni Pitkanen, Anton Babchuk and Joe Corvo scored goals in Carolina’s 4-1 victory over the Capitals.

Carolina extended its home winning streak to eight games, the Hurricanes’ longest home streak since their Stanley Cup championship season in 2005-06. Carolina beat the Southeast Division-leading Capitals for the third time this season.

“The fans have created a tremendous atmosphere here and we’ve been able to rally behind them,” Ward said.

Mike Green scored for Washington. He leads NHL defensemen with 28 goals. Alex Ovechkin managed only one assist on the night, while Alexander Semin was shut out.

“You’ve got to play those guys tough,” Corvo said. “You’ve got to get under their skin. We took a lot of their weapons away.”

Brind’Amour opened the scoring at 3:53 of the second period, beating Jose Theodore with a low shot from the slot. Brind’Amour has goals in five of his last eight games.

“Scoring the first goal has been key,” Ward said. “Despite the start we had we were able to get the lead and go from there.