Story perspectives

Hurricanes Begin Playoff Series Against Senators on April 18

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Carolina Hurricanes will open their playoff series against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, April 18, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.
This marks the teams’ first postseason meeting, and the Hurricanes finished the regular season with a franchise-best 113 points.
Rod Brind’Amour, head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, has not named a starting goalie, weighing Frederik Andersen and Brandon Bussi after strong recent play.

History

Historical Context

The NHL expanded from six to twelve teams in 1967, introducing franchises like the Los Angeles Kings and Minnesota North Stars. This expansion increased the playoff format from four to eight teams, allowing for greater competition and regional rivalries. The 1968 Stanley Cup playoffs marked the first postseason under this new structure, culminating in the Montreal Canadiens defeating the St. Louis Blues.

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Story summary

The Carolina Hurricanes will open their playoff series against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, April 18, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.
This marks the teams’ first postseason meeting, and the Hurricanes finished the regular season with a franchise-best 113 points.
Rod Brind’Amour, head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, has not named a starting goalie, weighing Frederik Andersen and Brandon Bussi after strong recent play.

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