Hurricanes Goalie Frederik Andersen Praised for Game 1 Heroics vs. Senators

Andersen's 22-save shutout helps Carolina take Game 1 in front of raucous home crowd.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:28pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey goaltender making a save, with the player's body and equipment broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color.Andersen's heroic Game 1 performance has the Hurricanes believing they have the goaltending edge to make a deep playoff run.Today in Raleigh

Carolina Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen put on a dominant performance in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, stopping all 22 shots he faced to lead the Hurricanes to a 2-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Andersen's stellar play fired up the Raleigh crowd, with the veteran netminder praising the fans for creating an electric atmosphere.

Why it matters

The Hurricanes have been a consistent playoff team in recent years, but have struggled to get over the hump. Andersen's heroics in Game 1 could be a sign that Carolina finally has the goaltending advantage they've been seeking to make a deep playoff run.

The details

Andersen was a surprise starter for the Hurricanes, with Brandon Bussi leading the team in regular season appearances and wins. But coach Rod Brind'Amour went with the veteran Andersen, who proved to be the right choice with his 22-save shutout performance. Andersen's numbers in the Stanley Cup Playoffs are strong, with 47 wins in 86 starts and a 2.37 goals-against average.

  • The Hurricanes beat the Ottawa Senators 2-0 in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 19, 2026.
  • Game 2 between the Hurricanes and Senators is scheduled for Monday, April 21, 2026 at 7:30 PM Eastern.

The players

Frederik Andersen

The veteran goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes, who put up a 22-save shutout in Game 1 against the Senators.

Rod Brind'Amour

The head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, who opted to start Andersen over the team's regular season starter Brandon Bussi in Game 1.

Brandon Bussi

The Hurricanes' regular season starting goaltender, who led the team with 39 appearances and 31 wins during the regular season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's pretty mind-blowing how loud it gets and how fun it is to play here.”

— Frederik Andersen

“Of course you're looking for goalies to make saves at the right time, and that's the right time. And that's what he did tonight. Like, I don't even know how you explain it. That was exactly the game, right there. And he was up for the challenge tonight.”

— Rod Brind'Amour, Head Coach

What’s next

The Hurricanes host the Senators again in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Monday, April 21, 2026 at 7:30 PM Eastern. Andersen may be leaned on again, but coach Brind'Amour could also turn to Brandon Bussi in net.

The takeaway

Andersen's dominant performance in Game 1 has the Hurricanes believing they finally have the goaltending advantage they've been seeking to make a deep playoff run. The electric atmosphere at PNC Arena in Raleigh also gives Carolina a clear home-ice advantage as they look to advance past the first round for the sixth straight year.