Overview

• Game 1 of the NHL second-round series between the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes begins tonight at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
• Both teams advanced from the first round in five games, with Washington defeating Montreal and Carolina overcoming New Jersey.
• Carolina boasts the playoffs' top penalty kill and high shot volume, while Washington relies on a defense-driven offense led by Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome.
• Key players return to action: Carolina regains goaltender Frederik Andersen and center Jesperi Kotkaniemi, while Washington welcomes back Aliaksei Protas and goalie Logan Thompson.
• The series highlights strategic familiarity, as both teams employ similar defensive systems and split their regular-season meetings, with home teams winning each game.