It had been a hard series to watch. For the Carolina Hurricanes, it was simple. Be the first team to win on the road in this series. Not an impossible task, but a daunting one. Washington had won their 3rd straight Metropolitan Division title.
Carolina had stole a playoff spot as the first wild-card. Only 5 points separated the teams in the standings, however. It was a perfect match-up of speed and experience.
Quickly, the reigning Stanley Cup Champions took the lead. Brett Pesce turned the puck over in his corner, and that was punished by the Capitals.