Full Breakdown
Hurricanes Edge Senators 2-1 to Take 3-0 Series Lead
4/24/2026, 11:50:16 AM
Hurricanes Take 3-0 Lead in Game 3
On April 23, 2026 at the Canadian Tire Center, the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Ottawa Senators 2-1 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, giving them a 3-0 series advantage. Logan Stankoven opened scoring at 5:13 of the first period, his third straight postseason goal, tying the series record for most consecutive goals. Drake Batherson equalized midway through the second period, but Jackson Blake restored Carolina’s lead 83 seconds later after a seam pass from K’Andre Miller. Carolina’s penalty kill was perfect (12-for-12), limiting Ottawa to four shots in over eight minutes of power-play time, including 88 seconds of a 5-on-3. Ottawa’s power play went 0-for-5. The Hurricanes won 34 of 61 faceoffs. Goaltender Frederik Andersen made 21 saves; Linus Ullmark stopped 25 for Ottawa.
Official Statements & Team Responses
Coach Rod Brind-Amour called the flawless penalty kill “the biggest momentum builder” and praised the offensive trio of Stankoven, Taylor Hall and Blake for their combined five goals and 13 points. Ottawa head coach Travis Green confirmed that defenseman Jake Sanderson left after a head-check by Hall and noted the need to adjust without their top-minute defenseman. Andersen highlighted the defensive effort, saying the players in front of him “are playing really well and blocking a lot of shots.” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman attended the game.
Criticism Over Illegal Check and Power Play
Ottawa captain Brady Tkachuk blamed the loss on the power play, stating “Power play lost us the game.” The illegal check by Hall drew scrutiny; defenseman Thomas Chabot described it as “not fun” and a “big loss” for the team. Ottawa’s inability to convert five power-play chances, including a 5-on-3, intensified the criticism.
Conflicting Reports on Sanderson’s Injury
Sources differ on Sanderson’s exit. One report attributes it to a head injury from Hall’s illegal check; another says he left after injuring his hand while blocking a shot from Alexander Nikishin. Both agree he did not return.
What Lies Ahead: Game 4
Game 4 is set for Saturday afternoon in Raleigh. Carolina may rotate goaltenders, giving Brandon Bussi a potential start, while Ottawa must replace Sanderson and find power-play success to stay alive.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just going to keep believing, keep playing our game,” — Tim Stutzle, Ottawa forward
- “Power play lost us the game,” — Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa captain
- “You want to keep taking steps,” — Frederik Andersen, Carolina goaltender
- “They scored, and the building erupted a little bit there,” — Jackson Blake, Carolina forward
- “We give one up there, it’s a different game,” — Jaccob Slavin, Carolina defenseman
