Capitals Outgunned: Game 1 OT Loss to Hurricanes Highlights Pressure Ahead

In Game 1 of their second-round Stanley Cup Playoff series, the Washington Capitals were dealt a tough 2-1 overtime loss at home against the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite taking a lead early in the second period with Aliaksei Protas’ first career playoff goal and a stellar 31-save effort from goaltender Logan Thompson, Washington was overwhelmed by Carolina’s relentless attack. The Hurricanes dominated the possession battle, registering 91 shot attempts to the Capitals’ 33 and consistently hemming them in their own zone. Carolina eventually broke through late in the third with a tying goal off a Washington turnover, and Jaccob Slavin sealed the win with a screened shot from the blue line in overtime.

The Capitals showed moments of resilience, particularly with a key penalty kill late in regulation, but the lack of offensive pressure and inability to sustain zone time was glaring. Top scorers like Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson were largely neutralized, and Washington finished the night with just 13 shots on goal — a number far too low for playoff success. Heading into Game 2, the Capitals need to find answers to Carolina’s suffocating forecheck, clean up their breakouts, and generate more consistent offensive chances if they want to even the series at home.

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