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After 82 games around the horn, the NHL Playoffs are finally upon us.
The Carolina Hurricanes have clinched the Eastern Conference for the first time in franchise history on Monday's shootout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, guaranteeing them home ice through the first three rounds of this year's playoffs. Prior to this, their best regular-season finish was second place, which they have achieved four times (2022-2024, 2006).
Even without home ice, Carolina certainly holds an advantage heading into this series. The Canes have the second-most goals per game in the league with 3.5. Along with scoring, they have held opponents to the fifth-fewest in the league, with 2.9 on average against them. They also have the league's fourth-best power play percentage in the league, scoring just under one out of four times (24.9%). Despite losing their most recent matchup against Ottawa, the Hurricanes won two of three meetings this season.
The Senators do have a lengthy advantage over the Canes on a couple of fronts. To start, Ottawa has the best face-off win percentage in the NHL, winning 54.5% of puck drops, compared to Carolina's 16th-best 50.1%. Along with timing their sticks, they are one of the league's more physical teams. They rank third with 23.8 hits per game (Carolina: 19.9, 18th). If Ottawa can use their physicality thoroughly and weather one of the NHL's top teams down, they might have a shot to be competitive. However, Carolina has proven to be a tough place to play in the playoffs, and the rowdy Raleigh crowd will do everything in their power to boost their team.
Here's what you need to know to watch Hurricanes vs. Senators, including broadcast information and start times.
Hurricane vs. Senators schedule
| April 18 | Game 1: Hurricanes 2, Senators 0 | — | — |
| April 20 | Game 2 at Hurricanes | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN2, ESPN App, fubo, DIRECTV |
| April 23 | Game 3 at Senators | 7:30 p.m. | TBS, DIRECTV |
| April 25 | Game 4 at Senators | 3 p.m. | TBS, truTV, DIRECTV |
| April 27 | Game 5* at Hurricanes | TBA | TBA, DIRECTV |
| April 30 | Game 6* at Senators | TBA | TBA, DIRECTV |
| May 2 | Game 7* at Hurricanes | TBA | TBA, DIRECTV |
* If necessary
Where to watch Hurricanes vs. Senators: TV channel, live stream
Games in the Hurricanes vs. Senators series will air on multiple channels.
Fans can stream every playoff game live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users. Games on ABC and ESPN networks can also be streamed on the ESPN app or fubo, which also has a free trial.
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2026
Here are the key dates to know for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and offseason. Some series start dates could move up depending on when previous series end.
| First round begins | April 18 |
| NHL Draft Lottery | May 4 or 5 |
| NHL Scouting Combine at Buffalo | May 31-June 6 |
| Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 21 |
| NHL Draft at Los Angeles | June 26-27 |
| Free agency begins | July 1 |
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