Hurricanes Clinch Playoff Berth with 5-1 Win Over Blue Jackets

Carolina extends postseason streak to 8 years under coach Rod Brind'Amour

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:34am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a hockey game, with the players and puck represented as fragmented, angular shapes in a palette of deep blues, greens, and reds.The Hurricanes' playoff-clinching victory over the Blue Jackets is captured in a cubist, geometric style that reflects the fast-paced, high-intensity action of the game.Columbus Today

The Carolina Hurricanes clinched a playoff berth for the eighth consecutive season with a 5-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night. Logan Stankoven scored two early goals, Alexander Nikishin added a short-handed tally, and Jordan Martinook and Andrei Svechnikov also found the back of the net for the Hurricanes. Frederik Andersen made 9 saves as Carolina allowed just 10 shots, matching a franchise low.

Why it matters

The Hurricanes have been one of the NHL's most consistent teams under coach Rod Brind'Amour, making the playoffs in each of his seasons at the helm. This latest postseason berth continues that impressive streak and cements Carolina's status as a perennial contender in the Eastern Conference.

The details

Stankoven scored twice in the first 9 minutes to give the Hurricanes an early lead. Nikishin then added a short-handed goal, and Martinook and Svechnikov also scored for Carolina. The Hurricanes allowed just 10 shots, matching a franchise low. Columbus' lone goal came from Denton Mateychuk in the second period.

  • The game was played on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • Stankoven scored his two goals in the first 9 minutes of the game.
  • Nikishin's short-handed goal came in the first period.
  • Mateychuk scored for Columbus in the second period.
  • The Hurricanes clinched their playoff berth with the win.

The players

Logan Stankoven

A forward for the Carolina Hurricanes who scored two goals in the first 9 minutes of the game.

Alexander Nikishin

A rookie defenseman for the Carolina Hurricanes who scored a short-handed goal in the first period.

Jordan Martinook

A forward for the Carolina Hurricanes who scored a goal in the second period.

Andrei Svechnikov

A forward for the Carolina Hurricanes who scored a goal in the game.

Denton Mateychuk

A player for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored their lone goal in the second period.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with this level of intensity and focus as we head into the playoffs.”

— Rod Brind'Amour, Head Coach, Carolina Hurricanes

What’s next

The Hurricanes will host the New York Islanders on Saturday, while the Blue Jackets will welcome the Winnipeg Jets to Columbus on the same day.

The takeaway

The Hurricanes' eighth consecutive playoff berth under coach Rod Brind'Amour is a testament to the team's consistency and competitiveness in the tough Metropolitan Division. Their balanced scoring attack and stifling defensive effort against the Blue Jackets showcased why they are once again a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.