In a crucial division rivalry, the Carolina Hurricanes travel to face the red-hot Washington Capitals on Thursday.

The Hurricanes are 4-2-0 in their last six games and sit a point behind the Capitals in the standings. A victory Thursday would move Carolina ahead of Washington for first place in both the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference.

"It's a good test for us," Washington coach Spencer Carbery said of facing the Hurricanes. "We know how good they've been, all the things they do at a really high level, how they make it difficult on you, and it should be a good test for us at home."

Washington has risen to first place during its best stretch of hockey all season. The Capitals are on an eight-game (7-0-1) point streak and are 10-1-1 in their last 12 games. They could also

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