Hurricanes Complete 4-0 Sweep of Senators, First Team Into NHL Round 2
Sebastian Aho scored twice and the Hurricanes swept Ottawa in 4 games, becoming the first NHL team to advance to Round 2 of the 2026 playoffs.
The Carolina Hurricanes are through to Round 2.
Sebastian Aho scored twice and goaltender Frederik Andersen made 25 saves as Carolina swept the Ottawa Senators 4-0, becoming the first NHL team to advance in the 2026 playoffs.
A Dominant Performance
The Hurricanes are playing the kind of suffocating team hockey that makes them nearly impossible to beat when everything is clicking. In the decisive Game 4, Aho — one of the most underrated forwards in the NHL — paced the offense while Andersen held the Senators at bay. The 4-2 final was comfortable enough to feel like a statement.
Carolina entered the playoffs as one of the Eastern Conference favorites, and they looked every bit the part against Ottawa.
Ottawa's Run Was Admirable
The Senators had a strong regular season and brought real excitement to their fanbase heading into the postseason. Their young core — who will only get better — will be a more formidable playoff presence in future seasons. This was a good experience for a roster that's clearly building toward something.
What's Ahead for the Hurricanes
Carolina now waits to see which team emerges from the remaining first-round matchups. Potential second-round opponents include the Penguins, Flyers, Canadiens, and Lightning — all series still in progress and trending in various directions.
The extra rest time could prove valuable. In a grueling playoff format, having a few days off while other teams battle through additional games is a meaningful advantage.
Meanwhile Elsewhere in the NHL Playoffs
Sidney Crosby kept the Pittsburgh Penguins alive with his first goal of these playoffs in a 4-2 win over Philadelphia in Game 4, forcing a decisive Game 5 and proving once again that you never count out Crosby in the postseason.
The Minnesota Wild tied their series against the Dallas Stars at 2-2 after Matt Boldy buried an overtime winner with just 28.9 seconds remaining in regulation — a gut-punch for Dallas that reset the series momentum entirely.
The Bottom Line
The Hurricanes look like one of the most complete teams in the Eastern Conference. They're through, they're healthy, and they're rested. It's early, but Carolina has built something that looks genuinely dangerous.