DETROIT -- The Carolina Hurricanes had the Detroit Red Wings exactly where they wanted them -- in a low-scoring overtime game.

And, they didn't let them slip away.

Afterward, though, the Hurricanes wouldn't place any special significance on their win over the Wings in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals.

Regardless of what Carolina head coach Paul Maurice and his "mongrels" say publicly, this was a huge -- repeat, HUGE -- win for the overtime demons from North Carolina.

The Hurricanes, now 7-1 in playoff overtimes this year, couldn't have asked for a better circumstance, especially after accumulating some rust from a week off and playing in a building in which the franchise hadn't won since 1989.

But, still, with an opportunity to win Game 1, they had to close the deal. If they couldn't, the disappointing result might have proven too much to overcome even for this tight-knit band of believers.

It certainly was for the longshot Capitals in their 1998 Stanley Cup finals series against another powerful Red Wings team. In that series, after losing a tight 2-1 opener, the Caps had a golden opportunity to tie the series in Game 2. But they blew a 4-2 lead in the third period, then lost in overtime on a Kris Draper goal.

For the Caps, it was an opportunity lost, and they were never the same, dropping the final two games meekly on home ice.

Unlike those Capitals, though, the Hurricanes were able to grab their opportunity. And they snatched it quickly Tuesday, when Ron Francis deposited a Jeff O'Neill pass behind Wings goalie Dominik Hasek at 58 seconds of overtime.

With the monster-sized win, the Hurricanes will go back to Carolina for Game 3 with the series tied -- at worst. And, there'll be no more talk of a sweep (unless the surprising 'Canes are using the broom).

Francis, whose low-key, but intense, approach is burned into this franchise, was quick to look forward, rather than to celebrate his OT game-winner.

"We come into every series with the mindset that we're willing to play seven games," Francis said. "And, we try to focus on each game at hand. Our focus and our intention were on Game 1 and obviously for us to win it is a boost for our confidence.

"Now, that's behind us," he continued. "Our focus has to be on Game 2."

And, obviously, the Hurricanes' focus will be on Game 2. But, it will be a lot easier to stay focused knowing they didn't blow a great chance in Game 1.

E.J. Hradek writes hockey for ESPN The Magazine. E-mail him at ej.hradek@espnmag.com.