Full Breakdown
Hurricanes Sweep Senators in Game 4, Advance to Second Round
4/26/2026, 6:27:53 AM
Game 4: Hurricanes 4, Senators 2
On April 25, 2026, the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Ottawa Senators 4–2 at the Canadian Tire Centre, clinching a four-game sweep of the Eastern Conference first-round series. Frederik Andersen stopped 25 shots; Logan Stankoven scored the go-ahead power-play goal at 9:10 of the third. Sebastian Aho added two empty-netters, and Taylor Hall contributed a goal and an assist. Ottawa’s Drake Batherson and Dylan Cozens each scored.
Series Context
Carolina entered as the Eastern Conference’s top seed, winning the first two home games 2-0 and 3-2 (double-OT). Ottawa’s defense was depleted: Artem Zub missed the series, Jake Sanderson left Game 3 with a concussion, and Alexander Nikishin exited Game 4 after a hit by Tyler Kleven. Forward Nikolaj Ehlers was a healthy scratch due to a lower-body injury.
Key Players
Carolina: Coach Rod Brind Amour; goalie Frederik Andersen; forwards Logan Stankoven, Sebastian Aho, Taylor Hall, Jackson Blake; defensemen Alexander Nikishin (injured) and Jordan Staal. Ottawa: Captain Brady Tkachuk; forwards Drake Batherson, Dylan Cozens; defensemen Thomas Chabot, Jordan Spence; goalie Linus Ullmark.
Statistics
Carolina posted a .955 save % (105 saves on 110 shots); Ottawa’s goaltender posted a 1.00 save % (26 on 26). Ottawa’s power play was 0-for-12 before Game 4 and finished 1-for-21 for the series; Carolina’s was 2-for-5. The Hurricanes’ penalty kill was 20-for-21 (98 %); Ottawa’s was 1-for-21 (5 %). Stankoven scored in all four games.
Significance
The sweep made Carolina the first team since the 2009 Detroit Red Wings to win a best-of-seven series without ever trailing. It marked the Hurricanes’ sixth straight playoff appearance and their third four-game sweep, extending a streak of series victories to eight consecutive seasons.
Official Statements
Rod Brind Amour praised Andersen, describing his play as the best the Hurricanes have seen from him. Aho said the team executed well and highlighted the penalty kill as decisive. Walker noted the power play stepped up when needed. Tkachuk expressed disappointment at the series ending.
Criticism
Ottawa coach Travis Green said Hall’s hit on Sanderson was a blatant head-to-head contact that warranted review and criticized the absence of additional discipline.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on Ottawa’s power-play totals: some list 0-for-12 before Game 4, others record a series total of 1-for-21. No definitive medical update on Nikishin’s concussion was released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We executed really well,” — Sebastian Aho, Center, Carolina Hurricanes
- “Can’t understate that,” — Rod Brind Amour, Head Coach, Carolina Hurricanes (on Andersen)
- “It’s heartbreaking,” — Brady Tkachuk, Captain, Ottawa Senators
- “Our penalty kill and Freddie was the difference,” — Taylor Hall, Forward, Carolina Hurricanes
- “Green called it a “blatant” hit to the head that should have been reviewed — Hall was called for a minor penalty — and thousands of Ottawa fans jeered Hall throughout Game 4.” — Travis Green, Head Coach, Ottawa Senators
What’s Next
Carolina will meet the winner of the Philadelphia Flyers–Pittsburgh Penguins series, with home-ice advantage if the Flyers prevail. Ottawa must regroup for the offseason after the sweep.
