Perspective: Capitals learn Stanley Cup championship carry-over can carry them only so far
By Jerry Brewer Jerry Brewer Sports columnist Email Bio Follow Columnist April 11 at 11:48 PM It was a novel kind of curiosity. Entering their first postseason with the designation of defending champions, the same Washington Capitals who had died dozens of excruciating playoff deaths returned to this tension chamber with their newfound dignity and stature, and you needed an identity check.
The song “Eye of the Tiger” blared through the speakers in appreciation of Eller and his nickname. The sellout crowd released nearly 20 minutes of anxiety as the home team survived two third-period goals by Andrei Svechnikov. For about two-thirds of Game 1, the Capitals made a statement. And then they received a reminder that, no matter how powerful a championship carry-over can be, it can carry them only so far.“I think that’s a good lesson to learn,” said John Carlson, who had three assists.
At the beginning, the heavier and more powerful Capitals introduced Carolina to playoff physicality. Brooks Orpik, the strapping Washington defenseman, nailed Svechnikov with a big hit. Tom Wilson checked Jordan Staal. Carolina stood its ground and delivered its blows early, too, but the speedy Hurricanes aren’t going to win a brawl.
The Capitals, of course, are eminently dangerous. It took them 9½ minutes to generate their first shot on goal. But on their second shot, center Nicklas Backstrom scored the game’s first goal 9:58 into the game. He zipped a wrist shot from the high slot over Petr Mrazek’s glove. It was a deflating first goal — a play that Mrazek has to make — for the Hurricanes to allow.
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