By Shane Willis, Carolina Hurricanes correspondent

Former Carolina Hurricanes player and current analyst Shane Willis offers his insight into the Canes’ playoff run with a day-after recap of each game.

Shane’s take

The Hurricanes played to their identity and smothered the Capitals with relentless pursuit. They won battles in the trenches and out chanced the Capitals all night.

Stars of the Game

• Jacob Slavin – Dominant defensively but also led the team in shots with five. Scoring the game-winning goal makes this decision easy.
• Logan Stankoven – A huge goal at a critical time for the Canes. Along with Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Taylor Hall, this line may have been Rod Brind’Amour’s best line Tuesday night.
• Jordan Staal – An area that can’t be overlooked is puck possession. That starts in the faceoff circle, where Staal won 66.7% of his draws.

What the Canes need to do next

The start will need to be even better for the Canes in Game 2.

Washington will be more energized than they were in Game 1, but if the Hurricanes can continue to manage the puck in the offensive zone early in the first period and for 60 minutes, the Caps will once again have a tough time not only getting shots, but scoring in general.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals series schedule

• Game 1: Hurricanes 2, Capitals 1 (OT)
• Game 2: at Washington, Thursday, May 8, 7 p.m. (ESPN, 99.9 The Fan)
• Game 3: at Carolina, Saturday, May 10, 6 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
• Game 4: at Carolina, Monday, May 12, 7 p.m. (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
• Game 5: at Washington (if necessary), Thursday, May 15, TBD (TNT, 99.9 The Fan)
• Game 6: at Carolina (if necessary), Saturday, May 17, TBD (99.9 The Fan)
• Game 7: at Washington (if necessary), Monday, May 19, TBD (ESPN, 99.9 The Fan)

Postgame analysis: After each playoff game, WRAL’s Chris Lea and Pat Welter will break down the biggest moments with insider analysis from former Hurricanes player Shane Willis. Tune into WRAL at 11:25 p.m. for postgame coverage.

Source: wralsportsfan.com