Line Combinations, Key Matchups, and Bold Predictions
The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs are roaring into their second round, and tonight brings a classic Metropolitan Division showdown as the Washington Capitals face off against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of what promises to be a punishing and fast-paced series. Puck drops tonight, May 12, 2025, at PNC Arena in Raleigh — and you’ll want to buckle up.
Both teams come into this matchup with momentum and something to prove. For the Capitals, it’s about proving their resurgence isn’t a fluke. For the Hurricanes, it’s about finally turning years of promise into playoff dominance.
Let’s dive deep into the lineups, storylines, and what to watch.
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Capitals: The Underdog with Bite
Not many expected Washington to be here. After battling through inconsistency in the regular season and slipping into the playoffs as a Wild Card team, they shocked the hockey world by upsetting the Atlantic Division’s top-seeded Florida Panthers in six games. The key? Balanced scoring, smart coaching by Spencer Carbery, and the resurgence of some familiar names.
Projected Line Combinations (Capitals)
Forwards:
Alex Ovechkin – Dylan Strome – Tom Wilson
Max Pacioretty – Evgeny Kuznetsov – T.J. Oshie
Aliaksei Protas – Connor McMichael – Anthony Mantha
Nicolas Aube-Kubel – Nic Dowd – Beck Malenstyn
Defense:
Rasmus Sandin – John Carlson
Martin Fehervary – Nick Jensen
Joel Edmundson – Trevor van Riemsdyk
Goaltender:
Charlie Lindgren (expected starter)
Darcy Kuemper (backup)
Ovechkin, at 39 years old, has once again found a way to be relevant in the postseason. He scored four goals in the first round and remains the emotional core of this team. Meanwhile, Connor McMichael continues his breakout campaign with an impressive five points in six playoff games.
The real story, though, might be in net. Lindgren has outplayed Kuemper down the stretch and posted a .921 save percentage against a high-octane Panthers offense. If he keeps it up, Washington could be trouble for anyone.
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Hurricanes: A Machine Built for May
Carolina continues to be one of the NHL’s most structurally sound teams — fast, aggressive on the forecheck, and unrelenting in the neutral zone. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour has cultivated a culture that demands accountability and depth, and it showed in their five-game dismantling of the New Jersey Devils in Round 1.
Projected Line Combinations (Hurricanes)
Forwards:
Andrei Svechnikov – Sebastian Aho – Seth Jarvis
Teuvo Teräväinen – Jesperi Kotkaniemi – Martin Necas
Michael Bunting – Jordan Staal – Jesper Fast
Jack Drury – Stefan Noesen – Jordan Martinook
Defense:
Jaccob Slavin – Brent Burns
Brady Skjei – Brett Pesce
Dmitry Orlov – Tony DeAngelo
Goaltender:
Frederik Andersen (expected starter)
Pyotr Kochetkov (backup)
Brent Burns may be 40, but his physical game and cannon from the point still make him a threat. The real weapons, though, are Carolina’s waves of balanced offense. Every line can score, and that depth will test the Capitals’ ability to roll four lines of their own.
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Key Matchups to Watch
1. Ovechkin vs. Slavin/Burns
The Hurricanes will throw their top pair at Ovi every chance they get. If the Great Eight can create space and continue his scoring touch, it could open things up for his linemates. But Slavin is one of the league’s most reliable shutdown defenders.
2. Special Teams Battle
Washington’s power play clicked at 23.8% in Round 1, while Carolina’s penalty kill was an elite 90.6%. If the Hurricanes stay disciplined, this edge could disappear for Washington — but if the game gets physical, the Caps’ man advantage could be the X-factor.
3. The Goalie Duel
Andersen was solid if unspectacular against the Devils, while Lindgren was a brick wall against Florida. If either falters, Kochetkov and Kuemper are capable backups, but momentum between the pipes could decide this series.
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X-Factors
Tom Wilson (WSH): He’s playing with pace, power, and poise. If he’s driving the net and drawing penalties, Carolina will need to adjust.
Martin Necas (CAR): The breakout winger is lightning-fast and can disappear behind coverage. He’s quietly posted five points already.
Coaching: Brind’Amour’s playoff experience gives Carolina an edge, but Carbery has pushed the right buttons with an older Caps team.
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Prediction and Final Thoughts
This series is going to be a battle of structure versus emotion — the precise, grinding Hurricanes against the passionate, clutch Capitals. Carolina is deeper, faster, and more consistent. But Washington has something no metric can measure: experience and belief.
Still, it’s hard to bet against the machine that Brind’Amour has built.
Prediction: Hurricanes in 6
But don’t be surprised if Ovechkin writes one more unforgettable chapter in his Hall of Fame career.
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Stay tuned for post-game analysis, injury updates, and live reaction after puck drop tonight. Follow for more NHL playoff coverage all week.