The Carolina Hurricanes came out of the fist period Monday night trailing 2-1 and needing a spark.
They scored the next four goals and forced a Game 7 Wednesday night in Washington, DC, with a 5-2 win over the Capitals.
“We answered the bell,” the Hurricanes’ Justin Williams said. “I said from the start of the series, if they’re going to knock us out, we’re not going to let it be easy on them.”
Petr Mrazek made 23 saves for the win.
Brett Connolly and Alex Ovechkin scored in the first period to stake the Caps to the early lead.
“I thought we needed a little bit more from all our players tonight,” Washington head coach Todd Reirden said. “It’s self-inflicted. We didn’t do a great job of managing the puck to give ourselves a chance to get in on the forecheck as much as we did in Game 5.”
Warren Foegele struck in the first period to keep the Cane close when the it seemed the Caps had all the emotion.
“Tonight we were solid,” Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “We had our gaffes. We messed up and they made us pay, but (we) just played hard. It was a pleasure to coach that one. Everyone was engaged.”
Teuvo Teravainen knotted the game at 2-2 and Jordan Staal picked up the eventual game-winner in the third period.
“I was hoping to get one. So was everyone else in the room,” Staal said. “I was fortunate enough that it was me. Everyone was a piece of that game. We’re going to have to have that in Game 7.”
Dougie Hamilton and Williams padded the lead for Carolina.
“I thought when they scored, when they were up 4-2, that’s when the urgency started for us, but that was too late,” Nicklas Backstrom said. “Best out of one game. We just got to regroup and look ahead here and make sure we can come out ready.”
Game 7 is set for Wednesday night in Washington.
[WATCH: All Capitals vs. Hurricanes Game 6 highlights | Complete series coverage]
Braden Holtby made 31 saves in the loss.
“It was a good battle. Good for them, they win Game 6, and you know, Game 7 is going to be very interesting. We know how to play that. Pressure on both teams, but it’s a good chance for us to beat them at home,” Ovechkin said.
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