The Carolina Hurricanes are set to face the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, April 23, for Game 3 of their first-round Stanley Cup Playoffs series, with the Hurricanes currently leading the series 2-0.
A win would put Carolina one step away from advancing and increase pressure on Ottawa. The matchup will take place at Canadian Tire Centre, with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Fans can watch the game on TBS and HBO Max or listen via local radio and streaming apps.
Frederik Andersen has been a key player for Carolina so far, posting a shutout in Game 1 and stopping most shots faced in Game 2. Jordan Martinook scored the double-overtime winner to secure the team’s second victory. Logan Stankoven has opened scoring in both games of this postseason, making him only the fifth player since relocation to do so for Carolina. If he scores again Thursday, he will match a franchise record set by Pat Verbeek in 1991.
Goaltending decisions remain uncertain as Head Coach Rod Brind’Amour said both Andersen and Brandon Bussi could see playing time during Round 1. Pyotr Kochetkov’s return adds another option but Brind’Amour said Kochetkov is not yet ready to start.
On Ottawa’s side, Linus Ullmark has delivered strong performances despite losses. The Senators hope returning home will spark a comeback; they were among the league’s top teams at home after February’s Olympic break according to recent results.
Injury updates show that Artem Zub remains sidelined while Tyler Kleven may soon return after missing several weeks due to injury. Both teams benefited from two days off following Monday’s double-overtime contest—especially Ottawa defensemen Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson who each played over forty minutes last game.
The Hurricanes have previously recognized significant contributors such as Eric Staal and Rod Brind’Amour in their Hall of Fame according to the official website. The team also achieved a major milestone by winning the Stanley Cup in 2006 according to their official website.
The Lenovo Center serves as Carolina’s home venue with seating capacity up to 20,000 people and hosts more than 150 events each year according to its official website. The arena features over 700,000 square feet including multiple seating levels, suites, concession stands, and other amenities as reported by its official site. Through these events and community engagement efforts, it is estimated that the team contributes over $200 million annually to Raleigh’s local economy according to its official website.
After Thursday’s game, Carolina plans a Friday practice before returning Saturday for Game 4 against Ottawa.
