Refusing to break
This series ending in five games won't accurately depict how tight a series it was, much like when the Hurricanes were swept two years ago in the conference finals by the Panthers. For Games 3 through 5, the Capitals were the better team out of the gate. It felt like the Hurricanes were hanging on for dear life, aided by Frederik Andersen.
When the Hurricanes found even an inch of daylight, they capitalized on it. In Game 3, it was Andrei Svechnikov's goal midway through the second period. In Game 4, it was Shayne Gostisbehere in the first period after another good start by the Capitals. In Game 5, it was Svechnikov again late in regulation.
It felt like the Hurricanes were simply weathering the storm. Once they felt the Capitals were frustrated, they pounced. It's not the recipe for sustained success, but it got the job done in the second round. I'd encourage them to be a little more urgent and on-time for the Eastern Conference Finals. I'm not sure we can handle another sweep as a fan base.