Capitals vs. Hurricanes: Everything you need to know about game 1 and star player matchups

The Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes are preparing for a huge playoff game. These two franchises are familiar with one another, but Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Second Round presents a new type of test. Both teams possess great players and intelligent coaches. But what occurs when two very evenly matched teams go at it? The answers will begin to materialize on Tuesday evening in Washington. The debut game occurred on May 6, 2025, at Washington, D.C., at Capital One Arena. Here is a team that has a regular season record of 51-22-9 in the Metropolitan Division and was 1st overall in the regular season and just annihilated their first round with the Montreal Canadiens winning the series, 4-1. They have been cruising since they finished with the Canadiens on April 30.Forward Alex Ovechkin paced the Capitals in the first round with four goals. Center Dylan Strome contributed as well, scoring two goals and picking up seven assists. Strome was the only player in the league to have points in all first-round games. Washington's goalie, Logan Thompson, played all five games in the previous round. He ended up with a 4-1 record, a 2.23 goals-against average, and a.923 save percentage.Aliaksei Protas, with 30 goals in the regular season, is likely to feature on the fourth line at the beginning of the series. He had been out due to an injury to his foot but played Game 5 against Montreal. "We know how they play. Now it's about who does it better for longer," said Coach Spencer Carbery on Monday.The Carolina Hurricanes also experienced a great first round. They defeated the New Jersey Devils 4-1, concluding the series on April 29 in a double-overtime victory. They've had time to recover and get ready for Game 1.Forward Sebastian Aho had three power-play goals during the first round, and tied for the league lead. Veteran forward Jordan Staal stated on Monday, "We've struggled with this team for years. We know what type of games these will be."Goalie Frederik Andersen sat out Game 5 vs. New Jersey due to an injury sustained in Game 4, but is slated to play Game 1 vs. Washington. Andersen stands 3-1 this playoffs with a minuscule 1.59 goals-against average and a.936 save percentage."This team has done things the right way all season. We just have to do what we do best," Coach Rod Brind'Amour said.Also Read: Stanley Cup Playoffs Clash: Capitals Vs. Hurricanes Set For Must-Watch Showdown