from Luke DeCock of the News & Observer,

After 10 years, you would have hoped for better than this, a worst-case first period as far as playoff openers go. After 10 years and two periods, the Carolina Hurricanes served notice that they would not go quietly, setting the stage for a playoff series that might just turn out to be everything anyone could have hoped, win or lose.

It was a reminder of the old hockey proverb: It’s a long series. You can’t get swept in the first period.

The Hurricanes had two third-period power plays down a goal and couldn’t convert, but they’ll exit this one feeling better about their chances in the series after a 4-2 loss to the Washington Capitals in Game 1.

Still, after waiting this long, working this hard to get back in this position, Thursday was a cruel and harsh reawakening to the unforgiving realities of postseason hockey, from the capriciousness of the officiating to the precious, rare value of every scoring chance. Road games are tough, and it’s not because the hotels are bad.

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Watch the game highlights below.