| Scoring | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OTT | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| CAR | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Hurricanes, First Round Game 1, beat Senators 2–0 at PNC Arena on April 18, 2026.
The Carolina Hurricanes started their playoff campaign with a solid performance against the Ottawa Senators, winning 2-0 in Game 1 of the First Round. This victory gives the Hurricanes an early lead in the best-of-7 series, now standing at 1-0.
With this win, the Hurricanes take an important step in the playoffs, leading the series 1-0. The Senators now find themselves under pressure to respond in the upcoming games if they want to keep their postseason hopes alive.
The momentum shifted in the second period when Logan Stankoven found the back of the net just 2 minutes and 11 seconds in, giving the Hurricanes a 1-0 lead. This goal not only energized the home crowd but also allowed Carolina to seize control. In the third period, Taylor Hall doubled the lead to 2-0, scoring at 7:15 and effectively putting the game out of reach for the Senators.
The Hurricanes dominated the ice, leading in shots with 29 to the Senators' 22, and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, the Senators struggled to maintain possession, racking up 16 giveaways.
Logan Stankoven was instrumental in the win, scoring the first goal and assisting on Hall's tally. Taylor Hall also contributed significantly with a goal and an assist, showcasing his playoff experience. The Hurricanes' defense played a crucial role, holding the Senators scoreless throughout the game and limiting their chances.
In goal, the Hurricanes exhibited solid team defense, effectively blocking 11 shots and securing the shutout against a Senators team determined to make an upset.
The Senators will need to regroup quickly ahead of Game 2, where they will have to find a way to crack the Hurricanes' defense and score if they wish to even the series. The pressure is mounting, and the next game will be critical for Ottawa. As the series continues, all eyes will be on whether they can bounce back and challenge the Hurricanes at home.
Hurricanes won 2–0.
The final score was Senators 0, Hurricanes 2.
Logan Stankoven, Taylor Hall.
Linus Ullmark made 27 saves on 29 shots (.931 save percentage).
Frederik Andersen made 22 saves on 22 shots (1.000 save percentage) for a shutout.
At PNC Arena in Raleigh, the Hurricanes home rink.
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