In just his second NHL game of the year, Semyon Varlamov was tested early, but not often, as the Capitals were able to take a 1-0 lead in the first period, which is a huge improvement from their recent struggles in the first 20 minutes of games.
Varlamov stopped all six of the shots he faced in the period as the Capitals pounded Hurricanes goaltender Justin Peters with 13 shots. Only one shot went in, but it was a farily dominant performance.
The one goal came almost immediately after Washington killed off a Carolina power play that was the result off a penalty on Varlamov for delay of game. Alex Ovechkin served the penalty, and picked up the puck shortly after stepping out of the box. Ovechkin cranked a shot at Peters, who saved it initially but left a tasty rebound for Nicklas Backstrom. The center converted to make it 1-0.