The Washington Capitals were able to tie their best-of-seven playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 2. After a sluggish Game 1 performance for Washington, they were able to generate more scoring chances to tie the series.
Now heading into Game 3, the two teams know that things will be getting even tighter. The scene will be shifting over to Carolina for the next two games, offering the Hurricanes a chance to do some damage.
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But Washington has been a great team all season long, earning the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. For the Capitals, they will need to put together a consistent effort and not allow the Hurricanes crowd to impact the game.
With the two teams taking a game to open the series, we are now guaranteed a Game 5 back in Washington. The NHL has announced the start time for this contest, with Game 5 scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 15.
The Hurricanes have been great at home, going 31-9-1 this year. This team will be looking to have the crowd help them win.
Carolina head coach Rod Brind’Amour discussed this ahead of the crucial Game 3.
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“Probably the energy,” Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour said of what has led to some of the success at home. “I would assess that the game, we’re certainly not doing anything differently.
“Maybe that energy that gets you those few extra shifts in the zone because you have a little more juice, creates a little play here and there, that’s the difference in games. I know the crowd is a big deal, but it’s not really a style, a change or anything like that.”
Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (43) celebrates after scoring an empty net goal as Carolina Hurricanes right wing Jackson Blake (53) looks on in the third period.Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Game 3 is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. ET Saturday.
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