Caps Crushed by Volume: Game 1 Wake-Up Call for the Capitals

In Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Second Round series, the Washington Capitals fell 2-1 in overtime to the Carolina Hurricanes—but the close score masked a lopsided performance. Despite holding the only regulation lead, the Caps were thoroughly outplayed, getting outshot 33-14 and out-attempted 94-34. Carolina’s relentless forechecking and predictable shot-heavy strategy left Washington on its heels for most of the night, and a late-game mistake led to the equalizer before an unlucky overtime bounce sealed the Hurricanes' win. Postgame, Capitals players and coach Spencer Carbery acknowledged that the issue wasn’t what Carolina did—it was what Washington didn’t do. Looking ahead to Game 2, the Capitals know the blueprint for bouncing back: establish sustained offensive zone time, get physical, and pressure Carolina’s defense. Nic Dowd emphasized the need to play in the offensive end to reduce the Hurricanes' shot volume, while Carbery stressed the importance of balancing the game and winning puck battles. With stars like Alex Ovechkin needing to make a bigger impact and special teams still a question, Game 2 becomes a critical test of identity and resilience. Washington doesn’t need to outshoot Carolina—they just need to dictate more of the play and capitalize on the chances they do get. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to Indeed.com/LOCKEDON right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Wonderful Pistachios Get snackin' and get crackin' with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins! Amazon Fire TV Stick 4k Did you know your Fire TV is also an Xbox? Turn any TV into your gaming and entertainment hub with Fire TV Stick 4K devices — no console required. Head to Amazon.com/firetvlockedon to get started. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and compatible controller required. Upwork Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free. With Upwork, you can find specialized freelancers in marketing, development, design, and more—experts ready to help you take your business to the next level. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.