16x9 R1G3 Lead

WASHINGTON, D.C. - After notching the series' first win on Tuesday, the Carolina Hurricanes will look to take two in hostile territory as they battle the Washington Capitals in Game 2.

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When: Thursday, May 8

Puck Drop: 7:00 p.m. ET

Watch (US; CAN): ESPN; SN, TVAS | Learn More | Road Game HQ

Listen: 99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes App

Odds at Time of Publishing, via Fanatics Sportsbook: Canes -140

The Series So Far...

  • Game 1: Jaccob Slavin came up clutch in overtime to help the Canes open up the series on the right foot.

You(th) Can Do It...

  • Logan Stankoven notched his third goal of the postseason, which leads all rookies in the playoffs, to start Carolina's scoring in Game 1. He has found the scoresheet in back-to-back games.
  • All three of Stankoven's goals this year have come in the first game of a series, and his 12 career postseason points (including eight in 19 games with Dallas last year) lead all players with rookie status over the past two campaigns.
  • Stankoven (3G, 1A) and Jackson Blake (1G, 3A), who scored his first career playoff goal in Game 5 against New Jersey, have combined for eight points in the postseason, giving Carolina the second-most points from first-year skaters among all playoff clubs.

Slavin Steps Up...

  • Jaccob Slavin bagged the dagger in Game 1, finding twine in overtime for his first career playoff GWG. The veteran blueliner became the fourth defenseman in franchise history - and fourth NHL blueliner in these playoffs - to record an overtime game-winning goal.
  • Slavin has now recorded points in three straight games (2G, 1A) and boasts 10 points in eight career postseason appearances against Washington, having led the Canes in scoring with a single-series franchise-record nine assists against the Caps during their 2019 playoff battle.
  • The 2014 NHL Draft selection leads all franchise defensemen in playoff scoring, pacing the group in goals (9), assists (31) and points (40).

In Net...

  • Frederik Andersen returned to the crease on Tuesday after sustaining an injury in Round 1, turning aside 13 of 14 shots to pick up his fourth win of the postseason.
  • At the time of publishing, Andersen leads the league in GAA (1.45) and save percentage (.935) during the playoffs, and he is the only second-round starter to have given up fewer than 10 goals to date.
  • Considering that he has deployed Andersen whenever he's been available during this postseason, it seems likely that Rod Brind'Amour continues to stick with the hot hand between the pipes.

On The Other Side...

  • Caps Coach Spencer Carbery was not thrilled with his team's showing in Game 1. Washington was held to just 14 shots - the first time this postseason they've recorded fewer than 20 - and turnovers proved costly, as displayed by Logan Stankoven's tying tally in the third period.
  • “If we sat here and went through the whole game, from breakout to getting through the neutral zone to forecheck to wall play, it wasn’t good,” he said. “And that’s the bottom line. Our entire game was not good. We’ll regroup and get ready for Game 2.
  • One positive for the Caps was the play of their netminder. As good as Andersen has been for Carolina, Logan Thompson has been at or near that same level for the Capitals. The 28-year-old slots in just behind the Canes' Dane in GAA (2.17) and save percentage (.926) this postseason, and was stellar in Game 1 with 33 saves on 35 shots as Carolina peppered him with pucks throughout the contest.
  • After returning from a 10-game absence in Game 5 of Washington's first-round series, Aliaksei Protas potted his first career playoff goal to open the scoring in Game 1 against the Canes. The 6-foot-6 forward enjoyed a breakout campaign during the 82-game slate, reaching 30 goals after totaling just 13 through the first three years of his career, and will look to continue to contribute as the Caps aim to strike back in Game 2.

Road Game HQ

Head to Carolina Ale House in Cary when the Canes are on the road for the team's official viewing events! Join Stormy, the Canes Crew, and more to watch the Canes compete.

Injury Updates

  • Forward Jesper Fast was ruled out for the 2024-25 season in August after having neck surgery.
  • Forward Mark Jankowski left Tuesday's game in the second period and did not return, but Rod Brind'Amour said on Wednesday that No. 77 was "definitely better" and will probably be a game-time decision for tonight's rematch.

What Are We Wearing?

  • The Canes will wear their white uniforms on the road throughout the postseason.

What's Next After This Game?

  • The Canes are scheduled to travel home after tonight's game and practice on Friday before taking the ice at Lenovo Center for Game 3 on Saturday.
  • Next Game: Saturday, May 10 | Round 2, Game 3 vs. Washington | 6:00 p.m. ET | Tickets | Parking

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