Top 3 ways Capitals can beat Hurricanes

#2 Next man up

The Capitals may or may not be without Tom Wilson as he gets another unwanted date with the NHL Department of Player Safety. It's an in person hearing. Fun.

An in person hearing means that Wilson could get suspended for up to six games or more. The crime he allegedly committed on the ice wasn't really a horrifying act of violence but the NHL says it's for high sticking Noah Gregor in the Caps 7-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on home ice Wednesday night.

Whether Tom Wilson suits up or not it's a must win for the Caps. They are now three points back of the Detroit Red Wings. They'll see each other on Tuesday but in the meantime it's take care of home ice one game at a time. The Caps are also four back of the Flyers for third in the Metropolitan Division.

Buckle up. The Caps beat the Pens in the second round in 2018 when Wilson got suspended due to the next man up mentality. If the Caps want to make the playoffs, they'll have to do it again whatever the NHLDOPS decides to do with the Wilson penalty.