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Hurricanes Bold Claim After Game 1 Raises Eyebrows

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated May 7, 2025 1:31 PM ET

Game 1 between the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals was one for the ages, and gave fans an exciting first game. Carolina was able to hold on for the big win, taking the contest in overtime.

Defenseman Jaccob Slavin hit the game-winner to send the Hurricanes into a frenzy, stealing Game 1 on the road. The entire matchup was neck-and-neck, with each side throwing punches at one another.

But in the end, the Hurricanes came out on top, retaking home-ice advantage away from Washington. After the game, the Hurricanes' social media account was having some fun and made a very bold claim about Slavin.

In bold letters, Carolina claimed Slavin to be the best defenseman in hockey. This, of course, can be subjective and has raised some eyebrows along the way.

THE BEST DEFENSEMAN IN HOCKEY pic.twitter.com/WvCFgDhdMK
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) May 7, 2025

After the post was made, fans took to social media to express their thoughts on the matter. Per usual, some agreed, while some completely disagreed with the assessment.

One fan wrote, "He’s not even top 3."

Another offered a different name for the best defenseman, "Never heard of Cale makar?"

One fan found this post a little humorous, "lol . Ok."

Again, another fan offered a different name for the title, "Is Quinn Hughes."

This fan seemed to agree with the Hurricanes, "JACCOB SLAVIN ARE YOU KIDDING ME"

The Hurricanes pressured the Capitals all game long, and it paid off in the end. Stealing Game 1 on the road is massive, and gives this team some wiggle room going forward.

Forward Logan Stankoven explained the trust this team has each time on the ice.

“It’s just trust in the game plan,” Stankoven said. “That’s what our game is all about: Get in [the goalie’s] eyes and lots of shot volume. That’s what Rod preaches. Sometimes not everything is going to go in, so you’ve got to be patient."

Game 2 between these teams will be played on Thursday, May 8 at 7 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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