Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery and captain Alex Ovechkin recently watched the NHL playoffs from home, as their team enjoyed a brief rest following a swift first-round victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Capitals await their next challenge against the Carolina Hurricanes, having had nearly a week to recuperate and observe the postseason drama unfold, including thrilling Game 7s.

Carbery expressed that watching other playoff matches can be more nerve-wracking than coaching during the games. Ovechkin, who led his team with four goals in the first round, emphasized the stakes of playoff hockey. The Capitals are readying for a demanding second round against a physically imposing Hurricanes team, noting that intensity in the playoffs only escalates with each round.