Jaccob Slavin shined with an overtime goal, while Frederik Andersen, returning from injury, made 13 saves, leading the Carolina Hurricanes to overcome the Washington Capitals with a score of 2-1 in the first game of the second-round playoff series.
The match, played on Tuesday night, saw the Hurricanes demonstrate their superiority, despite being behind for much of the game.
Logan Stankoven started the comeback with a goal midway through the third period, capitalizing on a defensive error. Slavin, after a missed opportunity on a power play, sealed the victory with a goal from the blue line at 3:06 of overtime.
Carolina dominated the game with 33 shots on goal, compared to Washington’s 14. Several Hurricanes players stood out on offense, including Slavin, who accumulated five shots on goal.
We were on top of them and knew we had to throw everything at the net. That mentality paid off in the end.
Jaccob Slavin
Andersen, upon his return, proved his worth by allowing only one goal in the second period. The goaltender had been out of action in Game 4 and Game 5 of the first round against the New Jersey Devils due to a head injury.
I’m just trying to take what comes and be in the moment all the time, just go with it. You don’t know when the next big save is going to happen.
Frederik Andersen
Carolina maintained its impeccable performance on the penalty kill, stopping Washington’s power play attempts, and raising its record to 17 of 17. The combination of Kotkaniemi and Stankoven’s effectiveness, along with Slavin’s goal, made the difference.
I thought our guys played hard every shift. From the start of the game, I liked how we were playing. Obviously, we were losing, but yes, there’s a game plan. And I think we executed it tonight.
Rod Brind’Amour, Carolina coach
The second game of the series will be played on Thursday night in Washington.
