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In the playoffs, NHL players do absolutely anything and everything they can to grind their opponents down: "It is a fine line."

The Carolina Hurricanes are looking to knock out the Washington Capitals in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Hurricanes currently own a 3-1 series advantage as the two sides get ready for a crucial Game 5.

Well, that “U.S. backup” has Dallas on the verge of its third consecutive trip to the Western Conference Final. Oettinger mostly has outplayed Hellebuyck throughout these NHL playoffs and in the second-round Western Conference series that the Stars lead 3-1 over the top-seeded Jets.

The Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals play Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs Thursday in D.C.

If the Washington Capitals are to advance in this NHL Eastern Conference playoff series, they'll need to win Game 5 at home on Thursday night, then win the next two games on May 17 and May 19.

Eight teams remain in the Calder Cup Playoffs, which decide the championship of the American Hockey League. Hershey (Washington Capitals), one of those eight, has won back-to-back Calder Cup crowns and is bidding to become the first to win three straight Calder Cup titles since Springfield in 1960-62.

The Florida Panthers have a four-goal lead over the Toronto Maple Leafs after the second period of Game 5 with the series tied 2-2. Follow the latest updates, insights and analysis from The Athletic's team of NHL experts below.