Recap: Slavin's OT Strike Pushes Canes Past Caps

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Jaccob Slavin scored 3:06 into overtime of Game 1 on Tuesday, helping the Carolina Hurricanes take a 2-1 victory over the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena to open their second-round series.

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Carolina got the start it wanted on the road, outshooting the Caps 12-5 in the first period and maintaining pressure in the offensive zone, but couldn't find twine in the opening 20. As the hosts found their footing a bit to start the second stanza, Aliaksei Protas opened the scoring on the rush to give the Caps a 1-0 lead that they would carry into the second intermission.

Despite a 71-28 shot attempt advantage through 40 minutes not bearing any fruit, the Canes stuck to their guns in the third and eventually broke through with 10:18 remaining in regulation. As Washington had a difficult time handling a puck in their own end, Logan Stankoven potted the equalizer with a wrister from the slot after Jesperi Kotkaniemi swooped in to take advantage of a turnover.

Carolina squandered a late power-play opportunity in regulation, but wasted little time finding twine in overtime. Firing the only two shots of the extra frame, it was Slavin's bid from the right point that snuck through a sea of bodies and under the pad of Logan Thompson to give the visitors a Game 1 win.

Frederik Andersen made his return to the crease after missing Carolina's Game 5 win over New Jersey one week ago, making 13 saves on 14 shots as the Canes largely controlled play in front of him.

Stats & Standouts

• Jaccob Slavin's decisive tally was the first game-winning overtime playoff goal of his career and stretched his point streak to three games (2G, 1A). Slavin has now recorded 10 points (1G, 9A) in eight playoff games against the Capitals.
• The 31-year-old leads all defensemen in franchise playoff history in goals (9), assists (31) and points (40) and became the fourth franchise blueliner with a playoff overtime tally, joining Niclas Wallin, Ian Cole and current Canes assistant coach Tim Gleason.
• Logan Stankoven potted his third goal of the playoffs to match Andrei Svechnikov and Seth Jarvis for the third-most by a Hurricanes/Whalers rookie in a single postseason, trailing only Erik Cole (6) and Warren Foegele (5).
• Frederik Andersen recorded his 15th playoff win with the Canes, passing Arturs Irbe for the second-most in franchise history behind Cam Ward (23).
• Mark Jankowski left the game in the second period with an undisclosed injury and did not return. Rod Brind'Amour said postgame that he "doesn't think it’s too serious, but obviously [it was] enough that he couldn’t play." The Canes coach expects to know more about No. 77's status tomorrow.

They Said It...

Rod Brind'Amour on what he saw from his team in Game 1...

“I thought our guys played hard every shift, right from the start of the game. I liked how we were playing. Obviously, we were down, but there’s a certain game plan. Both teams have it. I thought we were on it tonight. Sometimes you don’t get rewarded, but tonight we did.”

Jaccob Slavin on his game-winning goal...

“Puck came up to me at the point there, and I was just trying to get it to the net. I knew we had some numbers at the net, but I didn’t know it went in until I saw Staalsy coming with his arms up at me."

Logan Stankoven on how the team stuck to its system despite struggling to score through two periods...

“It’s just trusting the game plan. That’s what our game is all about - getting in (the goalie’s) eyes and lots of shot volume, that’s what Rod preaches. Sometimes, not everything’s going to go in, so you’ve got to be patient, and that worked out well for us tonight.”

Jesperi Kotkaniemi echoing his teammate's thoughts...

“Just believe it’s going to turn eventually, just keep doing your thing. Get shots through, and one of them is going to go true and go in the net like we saw tonight ... Our plan never changes. Just keep working hard, sending pucks out there and keep believing.”

Frederik Andersen on stepping up when called upon...

“I just try and take what comes my way and be in that moment all of the time. I just tried to stay with it and like I’ve said many times, you don’t know when that big save’s going to happen, you just have to try to make it.”

Rod Brind'Amour on Andersen staying sharp despite a lighter workload...

“That’s tough. It seems easy, but when you’re not in the flow and you’re watching the guy at the other end and you can tell he’s dialed in. Freddie had the one breakaway there, and I don’t even know if he got credit for a save, but you could tell he was on it. That was a huge one for us. He knows it. He’s been here long enough. You’ve got to stay focused and he did a good job.”

Logan Stankoven on Andersen returning from injury with another strong performance...

“He’s huge for us. If they get that second one, the game’s a whole different story, maybe. We’re trying at the other end to create offense, and when we do give up chances or there are breakdowns, he’s there for us. He’s been great all playoffs for us, so we’re going to need him to keep playing like that.”

Jaccob Slavin on the importance of winning Game 1, particularly on the road...

“It’s huge. Any time you can get a win in a series, whether it’s at home or on the road, it’s always a boost a confidence, especially to get that first one. It being on the road is huge for us and our momentum going forward, but like Roddy always talks about, it’s one step. It’s one step of the series, and we’ll just keep chugging along.”

What's Next?

• The Canes are scheduled to be off on Wednesday, returning to action in Game 2 on Thursday.
• Next Game: Thursday, May 8 | Round 2, Game 2 at Washington | 7:00 p.m. ET
• Next Home Game: Saturday, May 10 | Round 2, Game 3 vs. Washington | 6:00 p.m. ET | Tickets | Parking