The Washington Capitals struggled against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first game of their second-round playoff series, losing 2-1 after overtime. The Hurricanes demonstrated their intense and effective gameplay, showcasing their ability to dominate possession and push opponents away from their strengths. Carolina's Logan Stankoven emphasized the importance of trusting their game plan, and Coach Spencer Carbery acknowledged significant deficiencies in the Capitals' performance. To advance in the playoffs, the Capitals must find a way to navigate the relentless pressure presented by the Hurricanes, which feels akin to weathering a relentless storm.
"I think it's just trust in the game plan," said Carolina forward Logan Stankoven, who scored the equalizer midway through the third period. "That's what our game is all about."
The game plan is as obvious as it is frustrating to face. In this series, gaining possession of the puck will be a chore. Keeping it will be an accomplishment. If it's terrible prose to say that, against the Hurricanes, you must weather the storm - and, to be sure, it is - well, then, sue me.
Games against the Hurricanes can feel like the opposite of a tennis match. Pivot your neck to one end of the ice and hold it there. You won't have to move much.
If we sat here and went through the whole game from breakouts, to get it through the neutral zone, to forecheck, to wall play, we could ..." Coach Spencer Carbery said, and his voice trailing off indicated he could have talked about deficiencies all night.
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