We're finally there: the postseason. The Carolina Hurricanes will face the Ottawa Senators at home in Raleigh, officially kicking off the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the first game on the NHL's schedule.
The game is scheduled for 3:00 PM EDT.
During the regular season, the Hurricanes had one of their best seasons ever, reaching second place in franchise history in both wins and points, scoring the most goals in team history, and topping the Eastern Conference for the first time.
Meanwhile, the Senators struggled through the extremely brutal Atlantic Division, and just managed to clinch their spot in the postseason last Saturday, doing so with a win over the New York Islanders, as the Detroit Red Wings lost to the New Jersey Devils.
I recently did an in-depth analysis with several comparisons and statistics between these two teams in a playoff primer. You can read all about it here!
in the crease
During the Hurricanes' two latest practices, Frederik Andersen had the starter's crease in both. However, after practice on Friday, head coach Rod Brind'Amour was tight-lipped on who would get the Game 1 start, citing that he had not yet spoken to goaltending coach Paul Schoenfelder.
This season, Frederik Andersen has a 16-14-5 record with a .874 save percentage with a goals-against average of 3.05. Additionally, Brandon Bussey has a .894 save percentage and a 2.47 goals-against average en route to a 31-6-2 record.
Meanwhile, Linus Ullmark has been the number one man in Ottawa since being acquired in the 2024 offseason. It is almost certain he will start against the Hurricanes on Saturday afternoon. This season, he has a 28-12-8 record with a 2.73 goals-against average and a .891 save percentage. Additionally, James Reimer will likely serve as their backup goaltender after posting an .885 save percentage and a 2.42 goals-against average en route to a 7-4-2 record.
Expected Carolina Hurricane Lines
Andrei Svechnikov - Sebastian Aho - Seth Jarvis
Taylor Hall - Logan Stankoven - Jackson Blake
Nikolaj - Ehlers - Jordan Staal - Jordan Martinook
William Carrier - Mark Jankowski - Eric Robinson
protect
Jacob Slavin - Jalen Chatfield
K'Andre Miller - Shawn Walker
Shayne Gostisbehere - Alexander Nikishin
goaltender
Frederick Anderson / Brandon Bussey
Expected Ottawa Senators Lines
Drake Batherson - Tim Stutzle - Claude Giroux
Brady Tkachuk - Dylan Cozens - Ridley Gregg
Nick Cousins - Shane Pinto - Michael Amadio
Warren Foegele - Lars Eller - Fabian Zetterlund
protect
Jake Sanderson - Artem Zab
Thomas Chabot - Jordan Spence
Dennis Gilbert - Nicholas Matinpalo
goaltender
Linus Ullmark / James Reimer
special teams
Carolina Hurricanes power play: 24.9% (4th)
Carolina Hurricanes Penalty Kill: 80.5% (11th)
Ottawa Senators Power Play: 24.0% (8th)
Ottawa Senators Penalty Kill: 75.7% (29th)
storm game notes
The Hurricanes may get help for the postseason from another goaltender in Pyotr Kochetkov, who missed most of the season with an injury that required surgery. After a conditioning stint with the Hurricanes' AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, he was recalled and initially selected in his 82nd game, but was ultimately held due to a roster issue.
The Wolves are also headed to the playoffs soon after finishing second in the AHL's Central Division.
This will be the first time since 2006 that the Hurricanes will face a Canadian team in the postseason. Then, it was the Edmonton Oilers, whom they defeated in the Stanley Cup Finals.
how to see
TV: ESPN, FDSNO, SN, Omni, TVAS
Radio: 99.9 The Fan
