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.