Washington Capitals, Led by Ovechkin, Advance to Second Round of 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Alexander Ovechkin nets his initial Stanley Cup quarterfinal goal in a span of seven years.
After a triumphant victory over the Montreal Canadiens in five games, the Washington Capitals are gearing up for their next challenge against the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
"Washington" has made a comeback to the playoffs' quarterfinals for the first time since their championship season in 2017/18. Star player, Alexander Ovechkin, announced their excitement about the upcoming match, despite the recent achievements like breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL goal record and recovering from a broken leg.
Ovechkin, who's been in the playoffs' second round after a seven-year hiatus, shared his game plan, focusing on taking it one game at a time while staying smart and strategic. The 39-year-old Russian scored two goals and had one assist in the four regular-season games against "Carolina".
Interestingly, Dmitry Orlov, who used to play for the Capitals during the 2018 championship team, has now moved to the Hurricanes after a trade in 2023. Only four players from the 2018 championship team remain in "Washington" - Ovechkin, forwards Tom Wilson and Lars Eller, and defenseman John Carlson.
The series between these two teams is set to be intense, with both teams showcasing their vigor in the first round. The Capitals will enjoy home-ice advantage throughout the series. This matchup holds historic significance, as it's only the second time these two teams will face each other in the playoffs, with the Hurricanes claiming victory in their previous encounter in the 2019 first round.
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- Alexander Ovechkin, the star player of the Washington Capitals, shared his excitement about their upcoming match against the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
- Despite breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL goal record and recovering from a broken leg, Ovechkin remains focused on taking it one game at a time in the second round.
- history repeat itself, as the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes are set to face each other in the playoffs for the second time, with the Hurricanes claiming victory in their previous encounter in the 2019 first round.
- With only four players from the 2018 championship team remaining in Washington - Ovechkin, Tom Wilson, Lars Eller, and John Carlson - the Capitals will have to rely on their collective skills to overcome the Hurricanes' challenge in the second round.
