WASHINGTON — The Carolina Hurricanes clearly got the message on how playoff hockey is played after Thursday’s Game 1 loss. Unfortunately, another slow start condemned the Canes to their fate again, and they return home still looking for their first playoff win in ten years.
Brooks Orpik scored the game-winning goal 1:48 into overtime as the Washington Capitals pulled out a 4-3 win over the Hurricanes, taking a 2-0 lead in the first-round series on Saturday afternoon at Capital One Arena.
Sebastian Aho’s second-period goal, his first since March 9 and his first against a goaltender since March 5, encapsulated a gritty afternoon for the Hurricanes, who needed to grow into the game again but got their bearings before the end of the first period, in a change from Thursday’s Game 1.