Capitals vs. Hurricanes Game one Preview

by Wesley Hunt · Published April 11, 2019 · Updated April 11, 2019

It is that time of year again. Playoff Hockey has begun and every team has a shot. The Washington Capitals will face the Carolina Hurricanes in Game one of a seven game series at home. The Capitals are defending Stanley Cup champions and look to hold strong against a division rival in Carolina. The road ahead will be arduous and grueling, but the Caps are ready to slug it out. They will not underestimate their division foes. For MSB staff predictions go here.

Most of the championship core from last year is back for the Caps. The recent acquisitions of Carl Hagelin and Nick Jensen have proved their worth, making bold plays and holding strong for the second half of the season. Alex Ovechkin already has 114 playoff points for his career, and could extend the total as he keeps going. Evgeny Kuznetsov likewise scored the most playoff points last season with 32. If the Caps are to run deep, those two need to lead the drive. An injured Matt Kempny is a downside, and the Caps will have to rethink their defensive strategy to compensate. But they still have enough pieces in place to be competitive.

Though one other thing this core has is experience. Having tasted the Cup once, they are in prime position to go back. These Caps want to go far again, and this motivates them for continued success. They are motivated, driven, and know the playoff system. A strong defense of title is certainly possible even with the ages of their players.

Even though the Caps swept the Canes this season, it is a whole new game and a blank slate in the playoffs. These teams have been division rivals for years, but this is their first meeting in the playoffs. The Hurricanes have not made the playoffs in ten years, when they lost to the Penguins in the Conference Finals. Both teams are in it for the long haul and prepared for a competitive matchup. A statement win tonight would start the Caps repeat performance on a high note.