WASHINGTON — The Carolina Hurricanes opened their first postseason in 10 years in Washington, D.C. but fell by a score of 4-2. The Canes answered the question early if they would be able to shift into an extra gear in the playoffs. They flew around the ice and earned the first seven shots of the game.
The Canes played well outside of the first period penalty kill, which let them down twice. They still generated more shots and drove possession for large portions of the game. It took eight minutes for the Capitals to earn their first shot on Petr Mrazek.