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Posted at 10:15 AM EST

3:00 PM EST. OT included. It was a typical Washington win in Game 1 of this series, as the Capitals were handily outplayed, yet still walked away with the win and a 1-0 lead in the series. The Caps were outshot by Carolina 29-18 and out-chanced 24-12 while creating four High Danger Scoring Chances. Two of Washington’s three goals (0ne was an empty netter) came on the power play, of course, and so despite being overmatched, the Capitals picked up what many in the market might see as an easy victory. When you win the special teams battle, it's very difficult to lose, even when you get totally dominated 5-on-5. Washington scored on its first two power plays and killed all three that it gave up. In fact, when Washington took a 1-0 lead 11 minutes into the game, it was their second shot on net and their first shot came from about 40 feet away. The reality is, the Caps didn't get near the offensive zone time they would likely have wanted and the Capitals were also under siege in the third period, as the Hurricanes did not quit and got the game to 3-2 before giving up that late empty netter to flatter the home side with the final score.

That the Hurricanes did not look out of place against the defending champions and actually ran circles around Washington should serve them well here in Game 2. Power plays are streaky and the 'Canes are the poster boys for those extremes, as there was a nine-game stretch during the season when they could not score, while they finished the season scoring PP markers in each of their final four games. When at full strength, Carolina often dictated the pace of play and did not back down when faced with a tough swim early. Skater for skater, the 'Canes wreaked havoc with their high-speed attack and totally outclassed their opposition outside of those first 20 minutes. After proving they have what it takes, we doubt Carolina will be caught flat-footed here. They are superior in every way (except goaltending) and proved so in Game 1. It’s been a long nine years since the ‘Canes were in the playoffs and now they have their feet wet again. The ‘Canes will take some momentum, despite losing, into this one, as they bring the knowledge that they played well enough to win and there is no question that they have a great chance to win this one.

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