Event of the Day: Carolina Hurricanes versus Washington Capitals
Our event of the day is the potentially decisive NHL clash between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Washington Capitals at the PNC Arena. In what has been a thrilling series, the Capitals are currently in the driving seat with a 3-2 lead over their Carolina-based counterparts. Having already beaten the Hurricanes 5-0 in game 3, Washington were in a similarly ruthless mood last time out as they demolished their opponents 6-0 meaning they need just one more win to wrap up the series and progress to the next round. The Hurricanes won just two fewer games than the reigning champions and they are continuing to prove their mettle against one of the league’s best outfits in this first round series. They will be relieved to return to their home rink where both of their postseason wins have come this term, however the pressure will be on as they find themselves in a win or go home scenario.
After being shut out in their last outing, Carolina will be desperate to recoup their goal scoring form and much of that responsibility will be shouldered by Warren Foegele, who currently leads the postseason goal scoring stakes for his side. The winger has notched three times in the series thus far and will have to improve upon his tally if his side are to remain in the playoffs after tonight’s clash. For the Washington Capitals, their dream to emulate the Pittsburgh Penguin’s back to back Stanley Cup wins in 2016 and 2017 is well and truly alive. After winning all four of their regular season meetings with Carolina, the Capitals may well have been expecting to sweep their opponents in this postseason series but their form away from home has let them down having failed to win at the PNC Arena in their two outings there. However, having won their three home games, the Capitals know they need just one more win to book their place in the second round. Much of the goalscoring load has been heaped on the shoulders of Nicklas Bäckström who has already found the net five times against Carolina, adding to his career postseason tally of 36. It is all set-up for a thrilling night of hockey.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Premier League where Chelsea take on Burnley at Stamford Bridge. After Manchester United’s humiliating defeat at Everton yesterday, Maurizio Sarri’s side will look to capitalise by securing all three points tonight as the race for Champions League places really heats up. In the AFL, Hawthorn welcome Geelong to the MCG as the visitors look to keep touch with the early pace setters St Kilda. Elsewhere, the World Snooker Championship continues today at the Crucible with Ronnie O’Sullivan headlining the action as he tussles with James Cahill. As is customary on Easter Monday, there is a full fixture list in the EFL Championship with Norwich City’s trip to Stoke the showpiece of the day. There is also plenty of Super League action to look out for today as St Helens take on Hull FC whilst the Catalans Dragons play host to Castleford Tigers. Meanwhile, there is another big fixture in the exciting Indian Premier League as the Rajasthan Royals welcome the Delhi Capitals to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Finally, there is a mouthwatering clash in prospect in the tennis at the Barcelona Open BancSabadell as Feliciano López takes to the court with Fernando Verdasco.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by NHL