The Washington Capitals' future looked grim following their 2-1 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of their second-round series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
After the Capitals were outshot, out-hit, and outplayed in Game 1, Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery made it clear the team didn't feel good about their performance.
"When we don’t play to our standard, it bothers our group whether it's game 14 of the regular season or it’s Game 1 of the second round of the playoffs," Carbery told reporters before Game 2 on Thursday.
"There is a focus and a seriousness to the group of we need to correct some things and make sure that we’re a lot better tonight.”
Washington revived the spirit of the home crowd at the Capital One Arena on May 8. After a scoreless first period, Capitals left wing Connor McMichael gave Washington a 1-0 lead in the second period.
Defenseman John Carlson then doubled Washington's lead, scoring his first goal of the playoffs on a power play.
The Capitals announced: "With the goal, Carlson ties Dino Ciccarelli (21) for the seventh-most playoff goals in franchise history. Carlson's 21 career playoff goals are the most by a defenseman in franchise history."
Capitals right wing Tom Wilson, who served the primary assist on Carlson's game-winning goal, sealed the Capitals' 3-1 victory with an empty net goal in the final minute.
The NHL announced: "John Carlson factored a game-winning goal in the playoffs for the 10th time, surpassing Scott Stevens for the most by a Capitals defenseman."
Carlson, 35, drafted by the Capitals in the first-round of the 2018 NHL draft, has played his entire career in Washington.
After tying the series 1-1, the Capitals travel to the Lenovo Center in Raleigh to face the Canes in Game 3 on Saturday, May 10.
