Silencing the Capitals' offense
The Washington Capitals were the league's second-best offense during the regular season. They averaged just under 3.5 goals per game, trailing only the Tampa Bay Lightning. That explosive offense was nowhere to be seen during this series. Frederik Andersen and the Hurricanes' defense held them to seven goals, three of which came in Game 2.
No matter how you break it down, it paints the Canes in an impressive light. No Capital scored more than one goal or had more than two points. Alex Ovechkin was held to just one goal, coming during a 5-on-3 in Game 4. Washington only scored four goals at 5-on-5 in the series and combined for 16 points as a team at all strengths.
Many will point to the Hurricanes' "boring" style of play putting the Capitals to sleep. The group suffocated the Capitals, preventing them from gaining any traction. The Capitals were held to fewer than 20 shots per game, though you expect that against the Canes' defense. Overall, it was one of the most impressive defensive displays I can recall.