WASHINGTON — The Carolina Hurricanes got Jeff Skinner back in the lineup Sunday, so that was a plus.

Jussi Jokinen scored a goal, his first in 25 games. Make it another plus for the Canes.

But losing to the Washington Capitals stung. And especially losing on a goal by a 20-year-old rookie defenseman who had never scored in the NHL.

The Caps emerged with a 2-1 victory at the Verizon Center, taking the lead early in the third period on Dmitry Orlov’s unlikely goal.

WASHINGTON — All wins count the same, but it's hard imagining a bigger, better or more hard-earned win for the Carolina Hurricanes than the 3-2 shootout victory Tuesday over the Washington Capitals.

The Caps had won five straight over the Canes this season. They had won five straight at home in the Verizon Center and were 11-2 in March. Captain Alex Ovechkin was back in the lineup after missing three games with an injury, itching to play, and Jason Arnott also had returned.

When Alexander Semin rifled in a tough-angle shot for a second-period goal and Marcus Johansson followed with another score, the Caps led 2-1 after two periods. And Washington had been virtually unbeatable — 27-0-2 -- when holding the lead after two.

RALEIGH -- The Broughton Capitals gained a huge advantage with their special teams play as they cruised to a 51-20 win over 4-A CAP 7 foe Sanderson (1-10, 1-5).

From their first possession to their last, the Capitals scored at will as they finished the season at .500 in conference play and 6-5 overall.