Hurricanes Shut Out Senators 2-0 in NHL Playoff Opener

Carolina's veteran goalie Andersen makes key saves to secure victory in Game 1.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:33pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the raw energy and physicality of a hockey playoff game, with players' bodies and equipment blending together in a vibrant, chaotic scene.The intensity and emotion of the NHL playoffs are on full display as the Hurricanes and Senators battle it out in a hard-hitting, high-stakes Game 1 matchup.Today in Raleigh

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Ottawa Senators 2-0 in the opening game of their NHL playoff series. Carolina's veteran goaltender Frederik Andersen made 22 saves, including several key stops in the third period, to preserve the shutout victory. Logan Stankoven and Taylor Hall scored the goals for the Hurricanes.

Why it matters

The Hurricanes are looking to make a deep playoff run after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in two of the past three seasons. The Senators are making their second straight playoff appearance after a seven-year drought, hoping to build on last year's success.

The details

In a physical, chippy game, the Hurricanes jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Stankoven and Hall. Andersen was the story, though, making several crucial saves in the third period to keep the Senators off the scoreboard. Ottawa spent the final 2:30 of the game with a 6-on-4 advantage after pulling their goalie, but Andersen and the Hurricanes defense held firm.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026.

The players

Frederik Andersen

The veteran goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes, who made 22 saves to record the shutout victory.

Logan Stankoven

The Hurricanes forward who scored one of Carolina's two goals in the game.

Taylor Hall

The Hurricanes forward who scored the other goal for Carolina.

Brady Tkachuk

The captain of the Ottawa Senators, who was involved in a fight with Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal at the start of the game.

Jordan Staal

The captain of the Carolina Hurricanes, who was involved in a fight with Senators captain Brady Tkachuk at the start of the game.

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What they’re saying

“We must have been a little too amped up at the start, but I thought we settled in well and played our game. Freddie was huge for us, especially in that third period.”

— Rod Brind'Amour, Head Coach, Carolina Hurricanes

What’s next

Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026 in Raleigh.

The takeaway

The Hurricanes' veteran leadership and strong goaltending from Andersen proved to be the difference in Game 1, as they look to continue their recent playoff success. The Senators, meanwhile, will need to regroup and find a way to solve Andersen in the next game if they hope to even the series.