The Ottawa Senators face off against the Carolina Hurricanes today in Game 1 of their Stanley Cup Playoff series. This is the first time these teams have met in the playoffs.
As of early Tuesday, both teams are prepared for an intense matchup at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. Game time is set for 3 p.m. ET.
The Senators finished sixth in the Eastern Conference with a regular season record of 44-27-11. In contrast, the Hurricanes topped the conference with a record of 53-22-7.
During the regular season, Ottawa struggled against Carolina, going 1-2 in their three meetings. Still, they are looking to build on last year’s playoff experience—after a first-round elimination.
Tim Stutzle led the Senators with 82 points this season. Meanwhile, Sebastian Aho recorded 80 points for the Hurricanes.
Linus Ullmark has been a key player for Ottawa, posting a .890 save percentage over 49 games. He conceded 131 goals this season, averaging 2.7 goals against per game.
Injury reports indicate that Nick Jensen is out for the season due to a lower body injury. Tyler Kleven is day-to-day with an upper body injury.
The Senators had more recorded hits than any other playoff team this season, which could play a crucial role in today’s game.
After a playoff drought stretching back to 2017, Ottawa is embracing this second consecutive postseason run. “This will be their biggest test yet in the opening round,” analysts say.
Details remain unconfirmed as both teams finalize their lineups before puck drop.