Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.

A pair of second-round series in the NHL playoffs began on Tuesday. The Carolina Hurricanes, who downed the New Jersey Devils in the first round, took down the Washington Capitals, who beat the Montreal Canadiens in Round 1, in Game 1 on the road.