WASHINGTON, D.C. — It took nearly 94 shot attempts, but the Carolina Hurricanes finally broke through — and it came in dramatic fashion.
Jaccob Slavin fired a low shot through heavy traffic in overtime, and with minimal fanfare and a delayed reaction from just about everyone on the ice, the puck found the back of the net to give the Hurricanes a 2-1 win over the Washington Capitals in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series on Tuesday night.
“I didn’t even know it went in until I saw [Jordan] Staal coming toward me with his arms in the air,” Slavin admitted postgame.
Dominant Pressure, Delayed Payoff:
Carolina controlled the game from start to finish, outshooting the Capitals 33-14 and pinning them deep in their own zone for much of the night. The 14 shots allowed marked the second-fewest in franchise playoff history for the Hurricanes (formerly the Hartford Whalers).
Despite the lopsided possession, the Hurricanes trailed for much of the contest after Washington’s Aliaksei Protas opened the scoring early in the second period. Frederik Andersen, returning from injury, stood tall in goal for Carolina, stopping all but one of the few shots he faced.
“Just staying ready for whatever comes,” Andersen said. “You never know when the next big save will matter.”
Stankoven’s Equalizer Sets the Stage:
The Capitals maintained their narrow lead until the third period when a costly turnover led to the tying goal. Protas attempted a cross-ice pass that ricocheted off teammate Alex Alexeyev’s skate. Jesperi Kotkaniemi quickly pounced on the loose puck and found Logan Stankoven, who buried the chance to even the score.
“I saw the opening and just went for it,” Stankoven said. “Felt good to tie it up.”
Flawless PK, Familiar Grit:
Carolina continued their perfect penalty kill streak, snuffing out both of Washington’s power plays to improve to 17-for-17 in the postseason. Their relentless forecheck and composure in tight situations once again proved decisive.
“Not the prettiest goal, but it counts,” said head coach Rod Brind’Amour of the game-winner, which came with Seth Jarvis creating a perfect screen in front of Capitals goalie Logan Thompson.
Up Next:
Game 2 of the series is set for Thursday night in Washington before the matchup shifts south to Raleigh for Games 3 and 4. The Hurricanes will look to carry their momentum back home, while the Capitals hope to regroup and reclaim their identity after a frustrating opener.
