Capitals Host Hurricanes in NHL Playoffs Game 1

The Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals are set to face off in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, renewing a rivalry that last saw playoff action in 2019 when Carolina upset the then-defending champions in a dramatic seven-game series. Despite Washington finishing the regular season with a stronger record, the Hurricanes are considered favorites due to their aggressive, high-pressure system under coach Rod Brind’Amour. Both teams have evolved since their last postseason meeting, retaining only a handful of key players from 2019. Carolina’s strengths lie in their defensive pressure and ability to create chaos around the net, but questions remain about their goaltending consistency and lack of star power up front. Washington, coming off a dominant season and a first-round win over Montreal, is viewed as an underdog despite their superior regular season stats. Game 1 is anticipated to be tightly contested, with both teams familiar with each other's style and history.