2023 NHL Stadium Series

The 2023 NHL Stadium Series was an outdoor regular-season National Hockey League (NHL) game, part of the league’s ongoing Stadium Series of games. The event took place on February 18, 2023, at Carter–Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina , with the Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Washington Capitals . The Hurricanes secured a decisive 4–1 victory, marking their first-ever outdoor game and the Capitals’ fourth appearance in such an event. The game was originally scheduled for 2021 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic .

Background

The journey to bring an outdoor NHL game to Raleigh began in earnest when Thomas Dundon , who acquired majority ownership of the Hurricanes in 2018, made it a priority for the franchise. Dundon’s vision included showcasing the team in a high-profile outdoor setting, and in 2019, he invited NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to tour Carter–Finley Stadium to assess its suitability for hosting such an event. The league officially announced on February 15, 2020, that the Hurricanes would host the 2021 Stadium Series, but financial and logistical challenges soon emerged. The team sought an additional $200,000 in funding from local government and private organizations to help offset the costs of hosting the game, a request that underscored the complexities of staging large-scale sporting events during uncertain times.

The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters, delaying the conclusion of the 2019–20 NHL season until late September 2020 and pushing the start of the 2020–21 season to January 2021. On October 22, 2020, the NHL announced the postponement of both the 2021 NHL Winter Classic and the 2021 All-Star Game due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding fan participation. The decision to postpone the Stadium Series followed on December 23, 2020, as the league grappled with the pandemic’s impact on scheduling and safety protocols.

Undeterred, the Hurricanes requested that the league reschedule their outdoor game for the 2022–23 season . Team president and general manager Don Waddell emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe environment for players and fans alike. The NHL confirmed on February 4, 2022, that the Hurricanes would indeed host the 2023 Stadium Series, with the Washington Capitals announced as the opponent on March 3, 2022.

Game Summary

The 2023 NHL Stadium Series unfolded under the lights of Carter–Finley Stadium, with the Carolina Hurricanes dominating much of the play. The Hurricanes’ offensive prowess was on full display as they scored the first four goals of the game, ultimately securing a 4–1 victory over the Washington Capitals.

Scoring Summary

Key Performances

• Martin Necas led the Hurricanes with 1 goal and 2 assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
• Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Teuvo Teravainen each contributed 1 goal and 1 assist, further bolstering Carolina’s offensive output.
• Paul Stastny added a goal, while Frederik Andersen made 24 saves and recorded an assist, a rare feat for a goaltender.
• Tom Wilson scored the Capitals’ lone goal in the third period, providing a brief moment of hope for Washington.

Penalty Summary

Shots by Period

Power Play Opportunities

Three Star Selections

Team Rosters

Washington Capitals

Head Coach: Peter Laviolette

Carolina Hurricanes

Head Coach: Rod Brind’Amour

Scratches:

• Washington Capitals: Alexander Alexeyev , Aliaksei Protas , Joe Snively
• Carolina Hurricanes: Dylan Coghlan

Broadcasting

The 2023 NHL Stadium Series was broadcast nationally in the United States by ABC and streamed on ESPN+ . In Canada, the game was simulcast via Sportsnet . The decision to air the game on ABC, rather than ESPN as originally planned, highlighted the growing prominence of NHL games on major broadcast networks.