Alan with the backdrop of the caps seeking retribution for a couple of losses in Raleigh,

the injury to T.J. Oshy, plus the return of Devante Smith Pelly.

This had all the makings of a fun night at Capital One Arena,

and that was exactly the kind of thorough ass-kicking this team needed

and the message they needed to send to the hurricanes. Absolutely.

The biggest thing in this was setting the tones and it had to be the example had to be set by the

big guys and it was Oveskin and Wilson trucking right from the very first shift and then I love the

shift right after that by Hagelin and Verona to start this game, just getting on the pucks, owning their board battles.

But there was a net traffic.

There was a net presence.

The game was played largely in that first period and the third period inside the hurricane zone.

It was fast.

It was physical.

A lot of positives when you look at this.

But a message sent to put Carolina back on their heels for game six.

Game six is Monday night, and that could possibly be an elimination night.

I'm Rob Carlin.

The Capitals Talk podcast starts now.

Turning it over.

It's Ovattskut.

Stepping in with Baxter.

Smith-Pellon-to-Trailer.

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