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Bad omen? Dead rat falls out of Capital One Arena ceiling during Hurricanes pregame soccer match.

As the Carolina Hurricanes warmed up for Game Two against the Washington Capitals this afternoon, a potentially bad omen fell upon them. Literally.

A dead rat.

Warning: this is very very gross and I will not blame you if you X out your screen and go hide under your bed.

According to ABC 11’s Joe Masur, the Carolina Hurricanes hit the ceiling with a soccer ball while playing sewer ball. The ceiling tile fell to the floor. A dead rat fell to the ground with it.

Photos: @joemazuraabc11

The Hurricanes made the playoffs for the first time since 2009 during Justin Williams’ first year as captain. The team, coined a Bunch of Jerks, made waves with postgame team celebrations after home wins.

But those good vibes haven’t translated to the postseason… yet. The Canes lost Game One to the Capitals 4-2.

Don’t assume a dead rat is bad luck. During the Florida Panthers’ home opener of the 1995-96 season, Scott Mellanby killed a rat in the locker room prior to the game. He scored two goals that night with the same stick. Panthers goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck called it a “rat trick.” Fans immediately picked up on the idea and started throwing plastic rats onto the ice after every Panthers goal at home.

They went to the Stanley Cup Final that year.

Full RMNB Coverage of Game Two

Headline photo: @joemazurabc11

RMNB is not associated with the Washington Capitals; Monumental Sports, the NHLPA, the NHL, or its properties. Not even a little bit.

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