Hurricanes Shut Out Senators 2-0 in Game 1 of NHL Playoffs

Stankoven, Hall, and Andersen lead Carolina to series-opening victory

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:08am

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting the dynamic action of a hockey game, with fragmented shapes and planes representing the players, puck, and ice surface in motion.The Hurricanes' dominant defensive performance and timely scoring stifled the Senators' offense in a physical Game 1 playoff matchup.Today in Raleigh

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Ottawa Senators 2-0 in Game 1 of their first-round NHL playoff series. Logan Stankoven and Taylor Hall scored for the Hurricanes, while goaltender Frederik Andersen made 22 saves to record the shutout. The game was physical throughout, with the captains of both teams, Jordan Staal and Brady Tkachuk, fighting just 3 seconds into the game.

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

Stankoven opened the scoring in the second period, taking a pass from Jackson Blake and slipping the puck under Senators goalie Linus Ullmark. In the third period, Blake poked a loose puck to Stankoven, who redirected it off Hall's skate for the insurance goal. Andersen was stellar in net, making several key saves in the third period to preserve the lead, including a play where he gloved a puck that was initially ruled a goal before being overturned.

  • The game started with an immediate fight between the team captains, Jordan Staal of the Hurricanes and Brady Tkachuk of the Senators, just 3 seconds into the game.
  • Stankoven scored the opening goal for the Hurricanes early in the second period.
  • Stankoven scored the second goal for the Hurricanes in the third period.

The players

Logan Stankoven

A forward for the Carolina Hurricanes who scored both goals in the team's 2-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators in Game 1 of the NHL playoffs.

Taylor Hall

A forward for the Carolina Hurricanes who had the second assist on the team's second goal in their 2-0 win over the Ottawa Senators.

Frederik Andersen

The starting goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes who made 22 saves to record the shutout in Game 1 against the Ottawa Senators.

Jordan Staal

The captain of the Carolina Hurricanes who was involved in a fight with Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk just 3 seconds into the game.

Brady Tkachuk

The captain of the Ottawa Senators who was involved in a fight with Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal just 3 seconds into the game.

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What they’re saying

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

— Frederik Andersen, Goaltender, Carolina Hurricanes

“We didn't find a way to generate enough, but they're a team also that does that to you as well. And I didn't think we gave up too many grade-As (scoring chances). They were on their toes. They've got a real good team, they didn't finish first for nothing.”

— Travis Green, Head Coach, Ottawa Senators

What’s next

The Hurricanes and Senators will play Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Monday night in Raleigh.

The takeaway

The Hurricanes' veteran experience and stifling defense proved too much for the Senators in Game 1, as Carolina's top-seeded team showed why they are among the favorites to make a deep playoff run this year.