| Scoring | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAR | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| OTT | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Hurricanes, First Round Game 3, beat Senators 2–1 at Canadian Tire Centre on April 23, 2026.
In a vital Game 3 of the First Round, the Carolina Hurricanes secured their third consecutive victory over the Ottawa Senators, winning 2-1 and now leading the best-of-7 series 3-0. With the Senators facing elimination, the pressure is mounting to reverse their fortunes quickly in the next game.
The game’s pivotal moment arrived just moments after the Senators found their equalizer late in the second period. Drake Batherson scored at 16:06, levelling the score at 1-1 and providing a glimmer of hope for Ottawa. However, this was quickly snuffed out when Jackson Blake responded just under two minutes later at 17:29, putting the Hurricanes back in front 2-1. This rapid shift shifted the momentum firmly back in Carolina's favor, dashing the Senators' hopes and solidifying the Hurricanes' control over the game.
Logan Stankoven got the scoring started for the Hurricanes, netting the first goal of the game in the 1st period, assisted by Taylor Hall and Eric Robinson. Jackson Blake then scored the crucial go-ahead goal, with Hall providing yet another assist, showcasing their chemistry throughout the match. In contrast, Drake Batherson was the lone scorer for the Senators, providing some life for his team, but it ultimately wasn't enough.
In terms of overall play, the Hurricanes outshot the Senators 27 to 22, and while both teams had their struggles on the power play, with Carolina going 0-for-4 and Ottawa 0-for-5, the Hurricanes managed to preserve their lead through tight defensive play, marking their territory in front of the net.
The Senators must regroup quickly as they prepare for Game 4, where they face an elimination scenario head-on. The urgency is palpable as they aim to avoid being swept out of the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are one step away from advancing to the next round, and will look to close it out with a strong performance next game.
Hurricanes won 2–1.
The final score was Hurricanes 2, Senators 1.
Jackson Blake, Logan Stankoven.
Drake Batherson.
Frederik Andersen made 21 saves on 22 shots (.955 save percentage).
Linus Ullmark made 25 saves on 27 shots (.926 save percentage).
At Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, the Senators home rink.
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