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Orlov lifts Capitals over Hurricanes

Jan 16, 2012 - 1:27 AM Washington, DC (Sports Network) - Dmitry Orlov's first career goal came early in the third period to lift the Washington Capitals to a 2-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes.

Alexander Semin scored the other goal for the Capitals, who have won their past three games. Tomas Vokoun made 43 saves for the win.

"They played a very strong game and didn't give us much of anything," said Washington head coach Kirk Muller. "But we were able to take advantage of the few mistakes they did make."

Jussi Jokinen scored the lone goal for the Hurricanes, who had a two-game winning streak stopped. Cam Ward made 22 stops in defeat.

"We're digging ourselves a hole that is going to be tougher and tougher to get out of," said Jokinen. "We need to get it together if we want to make the playoffs."

Orlov's goal came 1:12 into the third as Jason Chimera skated in down the left wing and sent a chip pass on net that Orlov got a stick on and it went past Ward.

From there, Vokoun was busy as he had to stop 18 shots in the final frame to give the team the win.

After a scoreless first period, Washington appeared to take the lead 3:34 into the second when Brooks Laich crashed the net and got the puck in. But replay overturned the call due to Laic interfering with Ward.

However, the Caps did get on the board with 3:03 to play in the second as Semin backed the defender off at the right circle and blasted a shot into the right corner.

The Hurricanes, though, tied the game with 16.3 seconds left in the frame as Jokinen snapped home a rebound with Vokoun laying on the ice.

Game Notes

The Hurricanes haven't won three straight since the mid-point of October...Carolina plays in Pittsburgh on Tuesday...Washington hosts the Islanders on Tuesday...Washington has won all three games against Carolina this season and eight of nine overall.