The upcoming playoff series between the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals features contrasting offensive styles. The Hurricanes boast the highest shot volume in the NHL playoffs, while the Capitals, led by Alex Ovechkin, favor a more selective approach that relies on defense and turnovers. Both teams are well-matched in defensive strategies, with no secrets between them, according to their coaches.

In the first round, the Hurricanes excelled on special teams, achieving a perfect penalty kill and a commendable power play success rate. Meanwhile, the Capitals have their work cut out for them, particularly given their struggles against the Canadiens' power play. Key players like Dylan Strome and Ovechkin have stepped up for Washington, with Strome leading the team in scoring during the previous round. Carolina also welcomes back goaltender Frederik Andersen and center Jesperi Kotkaniemi, enhancing their lineup as they face a formidable opponent in the Capitals.

In a thrilling double-overtime showdown, Sebastian Aho's overtime goal propelled the Carolina Hurricanes to a 5-4 victory over the New Jersey Devils, clinching their first-round playoff series in five games. Aho's decisive shot, set up by Shayne Gostisbehere during a power play, marked his second goal of the night, capping a remarkable comeback from a 3-0 deficit. Taylor Hall, Jackson Blake, and Andrei Svechnikov also scored for the Hurricanes, who demonstrated resilience by leveling the game after a chaotic second period.

Despite the Devils' early dominance, Carolina's relentless offense led to an impressive 34-12 shot advantage after the second period, forcing Devils' goalie Jacob Markstrom to make a staggering 48 saves. With this victory, the Hurricanes advance to the second round, awaiting the winner of the Montreal-Washington series, in which the Capitals currently lead 3-1.

In a thrilling playoff matchup, Sebastian Aho scored a decisive one-timer in the second overtime, sealing a 5-4 victory for the Carolina Hurricanes over the New Jersey Devils. This dramatic win allowed the Hurricanes to clinch their first-round series, moving them into the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The game was marked by a rollercoaster of events, with Carolina initially trailing 3-0 within the first 10 minutes. The turning point came during a double-minor penalty on Dawson Mercer, which led to Aho's game-winning goal while the Hurricanes were on a four-minute power play.

This win propels Carolina into the next round, where they await the victor of the Montreal Canadiens vs. Washington Capitals series, with the Capitals currently leading that matchup 3-1. Aho's performance and the resilience of the Hurricanes in overcoming an early deficit highlight their potential as they advance deeper into the playoffs.

Rick Tocchet will not return as the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, entering yet another chapter in the team's tumultuous coaching history. This announcement comes after a mixed tenure of 2.5 seasons, where he achieved significant milestones, including winning the Jack Adams Award for Coach of the Year in 2024. Under his leadership, the Canucks reached 50 wins and claimed the top spot in the Pacific Division, despite facing internal conflicts, injuries to key players like Quinn Hughes, and ultimately falling short of the playoffs.

During his time, the Canucks dealt with notable locker room issues, particularly surrounding J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson. The organization made a critical move by trading Miller to the New York Rangers, and Tocchet expressed dissatisfaction with Pettersson’s performance at the season's end. As he opts to prioritize his family and explore new opportunities, his departure has reignited speculation about his next coaching destination, with several NHL teams eyeing his experience.

Simon Nemec clinched a thrilling 3-2 victory for the New Jersey Devils over the Carolina Hurricanes during Game 3 of their playoff series, scoring just 2:36 into the second overtime. The win marks an important rebound for the Devils, who had lost the first two games of the series. Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer contributed with goals during regulation, while Jacob Markstrom made 25 saves, showcasing his steadfast presence in the net. For the Hurricanes, goals from Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho kept them competitive, but they ultimately fell short in a gripping overtime.

New Jersey's victory also highlighted their offensive resilience, as Mercer’s third-period goal had initially extended their lead to 2-0. However, the Hurricanes rallied with power-play goals from Jarvis and Aho to tie the game, showcasing their ability to respond under pressure. With Game 4 looming, the playoff intensity is only expected to escalate.