As much as the Hurricanes won Game 4, the Capitals lost it with a lack of execution at too many key times. Like in Game 3, they had chances in the first 10 minutes to seize control of the game. They couldn't finish.

Alex Ovechkin leads the Washington Capitals against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 4 of a series the ‘Canes lead 2-1.

Alex Ovechkin surpasses Mario Lemieux for 12th on the NHL's all-time playoff goals list during Game 4 against the Hurricanes.

The prevailing theory ahead of the best-of-seven set was that it would be a long one, and if Washington wants its season to continue, it will be. But Carolina has earned its advantage, not necessarily through singular starring performances - Frederik Andersen notwithstanding, we'll get to him - but through production from everywhere in the lineup.

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.