WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals are back for more playoff hockey and return to the second round for the first time in seven years as they face the Carolina Hurricanes in a best-of-seven series.

Follow along with all the updates from Game 1 with our live blog here at The Hockey News, and share your thoughts on the game in the comments.

Overtime

16:54 — Jaccob Slavin wins it in OT.

Third Period

17:32 — Just as the Washington power play ends, Alex Ovechkin called for a slash on the backcheck. Capitals to the penalty kill.

19:33 — Capitals to the power play. Jackson Blake tripped up Pierre-Luc Dubois.

20:00 — Back for the final 20.

Second Period

0:00 — After a hard siege from Carolina in the final minutes of the second, the Capitals hold on to lead 1-0 after Protas' goal. Hurricanes up 20-11 in shots on goal, and Washington needs to lock in going into the third.

7:44 — Alex Ovechkin levels Seth Jarvis and Jordan Staal as first line generates some offense. No dice, though.

16:07 — Aliaksei Protas opens the scoring, calling his own number on an odd-man rush after a great zone exit. Capitals lead 1-0.

20:00 — Back for more.

First Period

0:00 — After 20, Capitals and Hurricanes tied 0-0. Carolina up 13-6 in shots on goal. A bit to clean up for Washington in the final 40.

2:47 — Big kill, and Capital One Arena is loud.

4:47 — Capitals to the penalty kill, Brandon Duhaime for a hold.

10:58 — Nothing on that opportunity, score remains 0-0.

12:58 — Capitals will head to a critical first power play after a flurry of chances for Carolina and extended zone time for the Hurricanes, as Sebastian Aho catches Alex Alexeyev up high. Washington with seven blocks so far.

16:08 — Tom Wilson sets the tone with a monster shift. Two big hits on Dmitry Orlov and Jalen Chatfield, a monster shot block then gives Sebastian Aho a shove to let him know he's there on the way to the bench.

20:00 — The game is underway.

Capitals Game 1 starters:

Duhaime-Dowd-Protas

Rasmus Sandin-Matt Roy

Logan Thompson

Pregame

6:30 — The Capitals will stick with the same combinations from their Game 5 win over the Montreal Canadiens, with Aliaksei Protas still getting his legs back under him.

Logan Thompson starts.

Here are the combinations:

Alex Ovechkin-Dylan Strome-Anthony Beauvillier

Connor McMichael-Pierre-Luc Dubois-Tom Wilson

Andrew Mangiapane-Lars Eller-Ryan Leonard

Brandon Duhaime-Nic Dowd-Aliaksei Protas

Rasmus Sandin-Matt Roy

Alex Alexeyev-Trevor van Riemsdyk

Logan Thompson 

Charlie Lindgren

6:10 p.m. — Walked past the Capitals sewer ball group. The vibes are immaculate for the group.