Capitals 3, Hurricanes 0: Braden Holtby made 33 saves for his second shutout of the season as host Washington blanked Carolina.

Nicklas Backstrom and defenseman John Carlson each had a goal and an assist and blue-liner John Erskine also tallied to help the Capitals win for the fifth time in seven games.

Holtby, who was signed to a two-year contract extension Monday, turned aside 12 shots in the first period, eight in the second and 13 in the final 20 minutes for his fifth career shutout.

Backstrom gave Washington the only goal it would need on the power play at 7:21 of the opening period, tapping in a pass from Mike Ribeiro past Cam Ward (37 saves).

Erskine doubled the lead only 31 seconds into the middle session, taking a pass from Backstrom and blasting a one-time shot past Ward. Carlson capped the scoring by converting a rebound with 8:32 left in the game.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The goal by Erskine, who also signed a two-year contract Monday, was the fastest to start a period for Washington this season. ... The Hurricanes lost for the fourth time in five games overall and had their three-game win streak against the Capitals snapped. ... Backstrom's fourth multi-point game of the season gave him 11 goals and 22 assists in 28 career games against Carolina.