Hurricanes Healthy as Playoffs Begin Against Senators

Andersen to start Game 1 as Canes look to build on 53-win regular season

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:53pm

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The Carolina Hurricanes will have their full roster available as they begin their 2026 Stanley Cup Playoff run against the Ottawa Senators. With no current injuries, the Canes are set to ice their best lineup, including seven 20-goal scorers. Veteran goaltender Frederik Andersen will get the nod in net for Game 1 as the team looks to build on its 53-win regular season.

Why it matters

The Hurricanes are one of the Stanley Cup favorites after a dominant regular season, and having a healthy roster gives them the best chance to make a deep playoff run. Andersen's playoff experience also provides a boost in goal as the team seeks its first championship since relocating to North Carolina.

The details

The Hurricanes' projected lineup features their top scorers, including Andrei Svechnikov, Sebastian Aho, and Seth Jarvis up front. On defense, Jaccob Slavin and Ethan Chatfield will anchor the top pair, while newcomer Nikolai Gostisbehere will quarterback the first power-play unit. In net, Andersen's .909 postseason save percentage ranks fifth-best among goalies with at least 30 playoff games in the last five years.

  • The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs begin on April 18, 2026.
  • Game 1 between the Hurricanes and Senators is scheduled for this afternoon.

The players

Frederik Andersen

The veteran goaltender will make his 86th career playoff appearance, bringing valuable postseason experience to the Hurricanes' net.

Rod Brind'Amour

The Hurricanes' head coach confirmed that Andersen will start Game 1, opting for the more playoff-tested option in goal.

Andrei Svechnikov

The Hurricanes' leading scorer during the regular season, Svechnikov will anchor the top line as the team looks to make a deep playoff run.

Sebastian Aho

Aho, one of seven 20-goal scorers for the Hurricanes this season, will look to continue his offensive production in the playoffs.

Seth Jarvis

The young forward posted a career-best season and will be a key part of the Hurricanes' top line as they begin their playoff journey.

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What they’re saying

“With no current injuries up front or on the blue line, the team will have its best available lineup of skaters available for this afternoon's Game 1.”

— Walt Ruff, Author

“Taking part in 32 playoff games during his time as a Hurricane, his .909 postseason save percentage ranks fifth-best among all goalies who have played at least 30 playoff games in the past five years.”

— Rod Brind'Amour, Head Coach

What’s next

The Hurricanes and Senators will face off in Game 1 of their first-round series this afternoon. If the Hurricanes win, they will host Game 2 on April 20, 2026.

The takeaway

The Hurricanes enter the playoffs as one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup, and their healthy roster and veteran goaltending give them the best chance to make a deep run. With their top scorers and a balanced lineup, the Canes are poised to build on their dominant 53-win regular season.