Senators Look to Even Series Against Hurricanes in Game 2

Ottawa hopes to bounce back after shutout loss in series opener

Apr. 20, 2026 at 10:39am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action and intensity of a hockey game between the Ottawa Senators and Carolina Hurricanes, with overlapping planes of color and shape representing the players, puck, and arena.The Senators and Hurricanes engage in a physical, high-stakes playoff battle as the series shifts to Carolina.Today in Raleigh

The Ottawa Senators and Carolina Hurricanes meet in Game 2 of their first-round NHL playoff series on Monday night in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes won the series opener 2-0 behind a shutout performance from goaltender Frederik Andersen. The Senators will look to even the series before it shifts to Ottawa.

Why it matters

This is an important game for the Senators, who don't want to fall into an 0-2 hole against the heavily favored Hurricanes. Carolina has been one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference all season, so Ottawa needs to steal a game on the road to have a chance in the series.

The details

In Game 1, the Hurricanes got goals from Logan Stankoven and Taylor Hall, while Andersen stopped all 22 shots he faced for the shutout. The game started with a fight between the team captains, Brady Tkachuk of the Senators and Jordan Staal of the Hurricanes, setting the tone for a physical matchup. Linus Ullmark made 27 saves in the loss for Ottawa, which was shut out for the first time on the road all season.

  • The game is scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
  • Game 1 was played on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Brady Tkachuk

Captain of the Ottawa Senators.

Jordan Staal

Captain of the Carolina Hurricanes.

Logan Stankoven

Forward for the Carolina Hurricanes who scored a goal in Game 1.

Taylor Hall

Forward for the Carolina Hurricanes who scored a goal in Game 1.

Jackson Blake

Forward for the Carolina Hurricanes who had two assists in Game 1.

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What they’re saying

“We must come out with more energy and urgency in Game 2. That was not the effort we expected, and we need to respond.”

— Brady Tkachuk, Captain, Ottawa Senators

“Freddie was outstanding, and our guys played a solid defensive game. But we know Ottawa will come out firing in the next one, so we have to be ready.”

— Jordan Staal, Captain, Carolina Hurricanes

What’s next

The series will shift to Ottawa for Game 3 on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

The takeaway

The Senators need to find a way to solve Andersen and the stifling Hurricanes defense if they want to even the series before heading home. Carolina has been one of the NHL's best teams all season and will be a tough out, but Ottawa has the talent to pull off the upset if they can play a more complete game in Game 2.