Complete schedule for Carolina Hurricanes first-round NHL playoff series with Ottawa
WRAL • • sports
Key Points:
- The Carolina Hurricanes, top seed in the Eastern Conference with a 53-22-7 record, are making their eighth consecutive playoff appearance and aim to advance further after reaching at least the second round in the last five postseasons.
- The Hurricanes face the Ottawa Senators, who secured the second wildcard spot with 99 points and have been strong post-Olympic break, going 16-5-4 compared to Carolina’s 17-7-1 in the same period.
- The first two games and potential Games 5 and 7 will be played in Raleigh, while Games 3, 4, and possibly 6 will take place in Ottawa, with the opening game scheduled for April 18 at the Lenovo Center.
- Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour highlighted the challenge of facing Ottawa, noting both teams play similarly and the Senators’ goaltending has been particularly strong, making it difficult to find weaknesses.
- The Hurricanes have yet to announce their starting goaltender for Game 1, with both Fredrik Andersen and Brandon Bussi having performed well recently, and a decision on their usage expected soon.
