There’s only one game left in the first round, and it’s the Hurricanes against the Capitals in Game 7 to decide who advances to the second round.
The Hurricanes are trying to win their first playoff series for the first time since 2009. It’s been a while for the Hurricanes, but they have a 4-0 record in Game 7s — with all their victories coming on the road. Carolina won two Game 7s in 2006 and 2009.
The Capitals’ Game 7 history isn’t nearly as bright. Washington is 5-10, with its latest Game 7 being a 4-0 shut out against the Lightning in Tampa Bay in last year’s Eastern Conference Final.
As far as Chicago ties go, both teams have a few. The Hurricanes have former Blackhawks Teuvo Teravainen and Trevor van Riemsdyk and former Steel defenseman Jaccob Slavin, who is the older brother of current Steel forward and Blackhawks prospect Josiah Slavin. The Capitals have former Blackhawks defenseman Michal Kempny, who is out, and Washington’s head coach Todd Reirden is from Northwest Indiana.
Capitals: @JapersRink Hurricanes: @CanesCountry
Wednesday’s schedule
Game 7: Hurricanes at Capitals, 6:30 p.m. (NBCSN), Tied 3-3
*All times Central