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Carolina Hurricanes: Four Keys to a Game One Win

By Robert Leonard

RALEIGH, NC - DECEMBER 14: Justin Williams #14 of the Carolina Hurricanes chats prior to a faceoff with former teammate Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals during an NHL game on December 14, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - DECEMBER 14: Justin Williams #14 of the Carolina Hurricanes chats prior to a faceoff with former teammate Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals during an NHL game on December 14, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – APRIL 04: Carolina Hurricanes Right Wing Brock McGinn (23) congratulates Carolina Hurricanes Left Wing Warren Foegele (13) after scoring during a game between the New Jersey Devils and the Carolina Hurricanes at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC on April 4, 2019. (Photo by Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – APRIL 04: Carolina Hurricanes Right Wing Brock McGinn (23) congratulates Carolina Hurricanes Left Wing Warren Foegele (13) after scoring during a game between the New Jersey Devils and the Carolina Hurricanes at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC on April 4, 2019. (Photo by Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The Carolina Hurricanes have waited ten long years to be back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The reward for their patience? The defending Stanley Cup Champions and Metropolitan Division rival Washington Capitals.

The Washington Capitals, winners of the Metropolitan Division, will host the visiting Carolina Hurricanes in game one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs Thursday night. The Capitals swept the four game season series including back to back wins in late March that all but eliminated any chance for the Hurricanes to win the division.

On paper, Washington is the favorite to win the series. They have been to the playoffs in 10 of the last 11 seasons and have talent up and down their roster.  Advancing in the playoffs is never a simple task and for the Hurricanes to do this, they need to get a win in Washington early in the series.

Thursday’s game gives Carolina that very chance. A loss and the feeling could be one of frustration and being overwhelmed. A win sends a message to Washington that Carolina is for real. Let’s take a look at four things Carolina needs to do to get that early series lead.

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