I’m fairly certain that every Carolina Hurricanes fan remembers the last time Carolina faced the Washington Capitals – in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
In the Canes’ First Round series back in 2019, their first postseason series since the 2009 Eastern Conference finals, the Canes downed top-seeded Washington in seven games. Carolina roared back from a 3-1 deficit in Game Seven, escaping Capital One Arena in double-overtime with a Brock McGinn winner.
Six years later, the Canes will face the Capitals again – this time, in an Eastern Conference Second Round matchup. Despite Carolina and Washington knowing they’d play each other on April 30, we learned the official series schedule overnight on Sunday, May 4.
Carolina won its opening round series against the New Jersey Devils in five games, while Washington downed the Montreal Canadiens – also in five. The Canes and Caps split four regular-season matchups, with each team winning twice on home ice.
Game 1 – Tuesday, May 6 at 7 p.m. in Washington, D.C.
Carolina starts on the road this coming Tuesday. Winning Game 1 is huge for momentum in the series – while I’m confident the Canes win at least one game at home, a road victory is just as important.
Game 2 – Thursday, May 8 at 7 p.m. in D.C.
If Carolina strikes out in Game 1, Thursday presents another golden opportunity. If the Canes somehow takes both road games, the Lenovo Center will be louder than ever before.
Game 3 – Saturday, May 10 at time TBD in Raleigh, NC
The Lenovo Center is unofficially known as the NHL’s “Loudest House,” which, bias aside, I have to agree with. Playoff hockey in Raleighwood brings a whole additional level of excitement. Carolina needs to win at least one home game in its Second Round series, so why not start with Game 3?
Game 4 – Monday, May 12 at time TBD in Raleigh
The Canes, or Washington, will have a chance to sweep the series on May 12 inside the Lenovo Center. Realistically, though, Game 4 will be a crucial momentum-shifter in the series.
Game 5 – Thursday, May 15 at time TBD in D.C.
Capital One Arena will be buzzing on May 15, assuming the series doesn’t end in a sweep. Caps fans will come prepared for Game 5, with Carolina looking to play spoiler on the road.
Game 6 – Saturday, May 17 at time TBD in Raleigh
This will be the Canes’ only chance, at home, to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. If Carolina is still playing by May 17, fans will be even louder than Games 3 and 4.
Game 7 – Monday, May 19 at time TBD in DC
As mentioned previously, Canes fans have a very fond memory of Game 7s. Washington fans, not so much. Regardless, a possible Game 7 in DC will be one of the highest-watched games of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Podcasts/Media
ACC Football
NFL/Carolina Panthers
