The Carolina Hurricanes series vs Washington Capitals has been nothing short of entertaining.
The series has been a true display of defensive excellence from both teams. Whether it is the D-core, two-way forwards, or the backstops, it has been incredible to spectate for fans of the deeper aspect of the sport aside from just the scores. The rivalry that sprang up in the regular season has continued to flourish throughout the first half of Round Two. In times of high physicality and high intensity, a play can flip the game, and both teams have been doing what they can to prevent those plays from forming for the opposition.
Between the teams, there have been an astounding 124 blocked shots and a mind-rattling 227 hits in just three games. Things are expected to get heated in the next half as they climb towards the Eastern Conference Finals. Let’s take a look at the Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals series so far.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals Mid-Series Recap
Game 1
In the first game of the series, Carolina proved to be too hot for Washington to handle as Jaccob Slavin claimed victory in Capital One Arena just 3:06 into overtime. The goal marked firsts in his playoff career. This was the first time he had lit the lamp in overtime, as well as his first game-winner.
The game between the Caps and Canes was slow in scoring, but far from boring. The first goal came at 3:53 into the second period from the stick of Aliaksei Protas, who broke away after Brandon Duhaime got the puck out of their zone. It was his first in the playoff campaign after missing four games of the postseason due to a skate cut injury on his foot. Taking the early lead, Washington held it until the third period. At 15:03 in the second frame, Mark Jankowski played his final shift of the night, notably remaining off the bench for the rest of the game due to an undisclosed injury.
Entering the offensive zone, Taylor Hall lost the puck to former Hurricane Trevor van Riemsdyk, beginning the tic-tac-toe by passing it to Protas, who passed it to Alexander Alexeyev before losing it to Jesperi Kotkaniemi. The Finnish centreman quickly moved it to Logan Stankoven, who snapped it past Logan Thompson, getting Carolina’s first goal with 49:42 having already been played.
The 1-1 score remained throughout the third frame, which sent them to overtime. Soon after, Slavin quickly found twine by way of the five-hole. All the way from the point. Deflectionless. Slavin’s goal gave the Carolina Hurricanes a 1-0 lead versus the Washington Capitals.
Throughout Game 1, both teams kept up the physicality, remaining under the skin of each other. Whether it was hits, scrums, or…stealing mouthguards, it didn’t let up. Overall, Carolina played the better game, leading in hits, shots on goal, zone-time, faceoffs, giveaways, and takeaways.
https://x.com/rbarkleyhockey/status/1919934596616974338
Game 2
Game 2 looked a little different for both teams as the lineup saw changes. Jack Roslovic returned to the postseason after Jankowski was left out due to injury, while Ryan Leonard was scratched in favour of Taylor Raddysh.
Outside of player swaps, the Capitals themselves looked different in their play. Stronger defence and more offensive zest helped tremendously. They managed to even the series with the Hurricanes, thanks to John Carlson. His third-period power play goal proved to be the game winner. It was the first goal of the postseason for Washington’s longest tenured defenceman.
Starting off slow, both teams came out of the gates with physicality and produced quality chances. Nonetheless, neither were able to put puck to net throughout the first period. However, the complete absence of goal horns lasted for only the first 20 minutes.
The second period saw an early goal from Connor McMichael, who formed a breakaway after Sean Walker’s attempt to clear the puck away from oncoming Capitals failed and instead hit the throat of defensive linemate Shayne Gostisbehere. The second period was the best for Washington, managing to outshoot Carolina 9-4 while pouring on the pressure.
In the third period, the Hurricanes had their 100% postseason penalty kill cut to 95% as Carlson ripped a snapper past Frederik Andersen. However, the third period soon proved to be Carolina’s best of the game.
With 8:36 played in the third, Washington took a delay of game penalty. It put Carolina on a power play, but with a twist. The fore-checking unit on Carolina’s power play received an update. Seth Jarvis took Gostisbehere’s position at the point while the defenceman settled into the left faceoff dot. From there, Gostisbehere took a ricochet shot and slapped it behind Logan Thompson.
Despite being within one goal and having over two minutes straight of zone time, the Hurricanes weren’t able to break through and tie the game. The Capitals held on for the remainder of the third period, adding an extra goal from the empty net.
The Hurricanes once again outshot the Capitals in the full sixty minutes, 28-21 (putting up 17 in the third period alone), while the Capitals blocked 33. The game overall saw less physicality compared to the previous one, with a combined 33 hits to the 75 that rocked Game 1.
The game certainly still had its moments, though. Jordan Staal depositing Tom Wilson into his own bench and McMichael’s slash causing a postgame scrum were popcorn worthy.
https://x.com/rbarkleyhockey/status/1920659031829459145
Game 3
The first game of the series from Lenovo Center rocked the Carolinas all the way from Asheville to Charleston with a thunderous performance from the home team. Depth scoring and Frederik Andersen’s fourth career Stanley Cup Playoff shutout, his first in a Hurricanes sweater, were the biggest headlines of the Mother’s Day Eve matchup.
The first frame echoed the same tune the previous two games played. An early lack of action and an early lack of scoring. In the second period, things began to heat up. Andrei Svechnikov notched his first goal of the series, giving Carolina their first lead in a game since their April 27th match against the New Jersey Devils (Game 4, Round One).
Soon after, Roslovic snapped one past Thompson to give the Hurricanes a two-point lead. Roslovic was playing in only his second consecutive game since being scratched in Game 3 against New Jersey.
Towards the end of the second period, an odd moment occurred, which led to much scrutiny towards officiating. Washington defenceman van Riemsdyk took a stick to the eye from teammate Pierre-Luc Dubois. However, it led to a miscall, putting Hurricanes’ Captain Jordan Staal into the penalty box. It was unable to be challenged by Carolina head coach Rod Brind’Amour, as it wasn’t a double minor.
However, the ensuing power play, which was split between periods two and three, did not produce results for the Capitals. On the Hurricanes’ next shot on goal since their previous score, Eric Robinson got his first goal of the postseason. A deceptive shot high on Thompson’s blocker side which was initially anticipated to be tipped in by Stankoven.
It didn’t end there, either.
With 3:16 left in the third period, Jackson Blake lit the lamp. A slick feed from Gostisbehere, and a slick shot from the side of the net. The sneaky wrister went under Thompson, trickling out from under his left leg and across the goal line. In the final frame, Washington’s forwards had a 15 and a half minute drought of getting shots on goal. Within that time, only a defenceman, Rasmus Sandin, put a single shot on net. Once again, the Carolina Hurricanes took the lead in the series versus the Washington Capitals.
https://x.com/rbarkleyhockey/status/1921356638541299744
What’s up with Alex Ovechkin?
With eight playoff games this year, Alex Ovechkin has been averaging his lowest ice time in his post-season career. With nearly five minutes less than his average and less dependence on his heavy playstyle, it has raised some questions.
Many of the missing minutes are from his absence in empty-net scenarios. In the previous series against the Montreal Canadiens, he was off the ice for the final moments of Games 1, 2, and 5. In this series, he was not present when Andersen was pulled from his net in Game 2.
Additionally, throughout the series with Carolina, his effectiveness has been notably lower than we’ve seen. With every two shots he takes, he gives away the puck more than once.
The man with the most empty-netters in NHL history is no longer closing out games for the Capitals. One wouldn’t be wrong to think they’re taking a more defensive approach in these situations. But considering his minor decline in play, one can’t help but wonder. Is there an injury he is working through? Or are we watching age catch up with the hockey legend?
What’s Next for Carolina Hurricanes vs Washington Capitals
With three games down and who knows how many more to go, we have a lot to look forward to. And a lot to analyze. But for now, Canes and Caps fans can take a breather from anxiously checking scores on their phones or screaming at the television. While taking that breather, be sure to tell your mommas and those who are like a momma Happy Mother’s Day (love ya, ma!), and check out some of our other big stories during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Connor McDavid has been playing like a madman, and who knows what’s going on between the Cats and Leafs. Outside of the playoff picture, there is a lot to ponder. What will the Blues do with those Unrestricted Free Agents? Who could the Pens have at the helm since Mike Sullivan said ‘adios’ to the Steel City? We have some ideas!
Main photo by: James Guillory-Imagn Images
The post Frederik Andersen’s Shutout Gives Carolina Hurricanes 2-1 Lead Versus Washington Capitals appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.