Ottawa Senators and Carolina Hurricanes Face Off in Game 1 of NHL Playoffs

Get the details on how to watch the opening matchup of this highly anticipated Eastern Conference series.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:27pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a hockey game between the Ottawa Senators and Carolina Hurricanes, with the players and puck rendered in overlapping, angular forms in a vibrant color palette.The opening game of the Senators-Hurricanes playoff series promises an intense, high-stakes clash between two talented teams vying for an early series advantage.Today in Raleigh

The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are underway, kicking off with an exciting Game 1 showdown between the Ottawa Senators and the Carolina Hurricanes. Whether you're a die-hard Senators fan in Canada's capital or a 'Caniac' in Raleigh, this postseason clash is not to be missed. The game will be broadcast nationally in the US on ESPN, while Canadian viewers can catch the action on Sportsnet and TVAS. Cord-cutters can stream the matchup via ESPN+ and Sportsnet+, with no regional blackouts to worry about during the playoffs.

Why it matters

This opening-round series features two teams that had strong regular seasons and are now looking to make a deep playoff run. The Hurricanes finished atop the Metropolitan Division, while the Senators battled their way into the Eastern Conference Wild Card. Both squads are led by star players, setting the stage for an intense and evenly matched series.

The details

The game is scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. ET puck drop at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes are the home favorites at -148 on the moneyline, with the over/under set at 6.5 goals. Carolina is led by center Sebastian Aho (89 points) and winger Seth Jarvis, while the Senators are paced by Tim Stützle (92 points) and captain Brady Tkachuk. Both teams are relatively healthy heading into the playoffs, with the Hurricanes getting goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov back just in time.

  • The game is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET.
  • The Senators clinched the Eastern Conference Wild Card earlier this week with a 3-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The players

Sebastian Aho

The star center for the Carolina Hurricanes, he led the team with 89 points in the 2025-26 regular season.

Seth Jarvis

A talented winger for the Hurricanes who had a breakout season, providing offensive support alongside Aho.

Tim Stützle

The leading scorer for the Ottawa Senators with 92 points, he is a key offensive catalyst for the team.

Brady Tkachuk

The captain of the Ottawa Senators, he provides both skill and physicality to lead his team.

Pyotr Kochetkov

The Hurricanes' starting goaltender, he is returning from injury just in time for the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“Whether you are a die-hard fan rocking the red and black in Canada's capital or a 'Caniac' in Raleigh ready for a storm, you will not want to miss a second of the postseason action.”

— Dave Jenkins, Author

“While Ottawa's top six has undeniable game-breaking talent, I am backing the Hurricanes to win a tight Game 1 on home ice, 3-2. Take the Under on that 6.5 total—playoff hockey is famously a game of inches, blocked shots, and tight checking.”

— Dave Jenkins, Author

What’s next

The winner of this Game 1 matchup will take an early series lead, putting pressure on the opposing team to respond in Game 2. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the results of this opening contest to see which team gains the upper hand in this highly anticipated Eastern Conference playoff series.

The takeaway

This first-round clash between the Senators and Hurricanes promises to be a thrilling and closely contested series, featuring star power, defensive grit, and high-stakes playoff hockey. Fans of both teams, as well as neutral observers, are in for an exciting start to the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.