Monday night’s Stanley Cup Playoff First Round Game 6s were full of drama, excitement and edge of your seat, nail biting moments for fans of all four teams.
The Washington Capitals travelled to the Carolina Hurricanes, where a win would see them eliminate their hosts, whilst the Dallas Stars had the chance to eliminate the Nashville Predators.
How things stood after Game 5:
➜ Washington lead Carolina 3-2
➜ Nashville trail Dallas 3-2
Washington Capitals v Carolina Hurricanes
2-5
Jordan Staal scored the tie breaking goal 3:51 into the third period, as the Carolina Hurricanes battled from behind to avoid elimination with a 5-2 victory over the reigning champions, tying their series 3-3 and forcing Game 7 in Washington on Wednesday.
Staal and Dougie Hamilton (emptynetter) each had a goal and an assist, Teuvo Teravainen, Warren Foegele and Justin Williams also scored, and Petr Mrazek made 23 saves for the Canes. It was Foegele‘s fourth of the series.
Williams has 27pts (15g, 12a) in 23 playoff games when facing elimination. His 1.17 points per game in those matchups is second among active NHL Players; Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks has 24pts (6g, 18a) in 19 games (1.26pts per game).
Mrazek, who’s name could be heard ringing around the arena on numerous occasions, is 3-0 at PNC Arena in the series with a 1.00 goals-against average, a 9.59 save percentage and one shutout.
Meanwhile Foegele leads NHL rookies in goals (4) and points (6) in the playoffs.
Braden Holtby made 31 saves, Brett Connolly and Alex Ovechkin (-2) scored for the Capitals, and Nicklas Backstrom was minus-3.
With the game at 3-2, Ovechkin appeared to tie the affair, but the play was ruled no goal for goaltender interference. Head coach Todd Reirden challenged the decision, but the call was upheld after a video review.
Wednesday will be Carolina’s first Game 7 since May 14th 2009 when they defeated the Boston Bruins 3-2 in Boston.
The Capitals have one thing going for them heading into Wednesday, not only do they have the home-ice advantage, but the home team has won every game this series.
Up Next:
Canes v Capitals – Wednesday, April 24 (7:30pm – NBCSN)
Nashville Predators v Dallas Stars
1-2 (OT)
John Klingberg scored with 2:58 left in overtime to hand the Dallas Stars a 2-1 victory and eliminate the Nashville Predators. The hosts won the series 4-2.
Blake Comeau tied the game at 5:20 of the second period, and Ben Bishop made 47 saves for Dallas, who will play the St. Louis Blues in the second round.
Austin Watson scored and Pekka Rinne made 49 saves for Nashville, who were outshot 48-51 and 8-14 in the overtime period.
Up Next:
Stars v Blues – Round 2, Game 1 – Thursday, April 25 (9:30pm – NBCSN)
How things stand after Game 6:
➜ Capitals and Canes are tied 3-3
➜ Dallas ELIMINATE Nashville (4-2)
KEY
ALL TIMES U.S. EASTERN
Artistry of Sport 
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