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On February 18, NHL fans will witness the Carolina Hurricanes finally host their first Stadium Series Game as they take on the Washington Capitals at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC.
The game was supposed to be held in 2021 but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hurricanes were initially set to host the Pittsburgh Penguins, but due to the Penguins being selected for the Winter Classic, the Canes were offered the Washington Capitals as a replacement.
Here are three things NHL fans can look forward to for this week’s Stadium Series Game, which will also be the NHL's second outdoor game of 2023.
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Hurricanes vs. Capitals: 2023 NHL Stadium Series Game - Everything you need to know
#1 The attire: All Whites vs. All Blacks
Both the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes have released new alternate jerseys that they will be donning for the outdoor game.
The Hurricanes have an all-black jersey look, which is the first uniform in Hurricanes history not to feature the color white. The italicized letters are meant to reflect the impact and force of an actual hurricane.
The Capitals will go with the exact opposite, as they will don a predominantly white uniform. The Capitals' entire front crest is the popular “Weagle'' logo. It’s the first time the Weagle, a bald eagle with wings spread in the shape of a "W," has appeared on a Capitals jersey. The giant crest on the front of the jersey will also set the record for the largest embroidered logo to appear on an NHL jersey.
#2 The venue: Carter-Finley Stadium
The game will be played at Carter-Finley Stadium, the home of the NC State Wolfpack, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Since the game will be at a college stadium, it will be one of the lowest-attended outdoor games in history. Despite this, expect the Canes' fans to be out and raucous as ever, as the 55,000-seater is already sold out.
The stadium also has the benefit of sharing the same parking lot as the Hurricanes' home stadium, PNC Arena, offering a unique environment unseen by any other outdoor game. Expect PNC Arena and the surrounding area to be transformed into a wonderland of hockey come February 18.
#3 WSH v CAR: A record in outdoor games
The 2023 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series Game is the first outdoor game for the Carolina Hurricanes, making them the 28th team to play in an NHL outdoor event.
Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals have participated in three outdoor games. The first came against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Heinz Field in 2011, the second at Nationals Park in 2015 and the last in 2018 against the Maple Leafs at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. The Capitals won each game.
Where to Watch
The Stadium Series Game between the Hurricanes and Capitals will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET and can be watched live on ABC11 and ESPN+. The Hurricanes and Capitals will also face off this Valentine’s Day in Washington, D.C., as a precursor to the Stadium Series Game.
