Ottawa's Senators Hit the Ice for Game 1 Against Carolina
Ottawa Senators fans have been waiting for this moment all season. The Sens officially kick off their 2026 Stanley Cup Playoff run on Saturday, April 18, travelling to Raleigh to face the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round. It's playoff hockey — and all of Ottawa is watching.
Here are three things to keep an eye on as the puck drops in Carolina.
1. Special Teams Will Be the Difference-Maker
Playoff hockey is a different animal, and special teams often determine who advances. The Senators' power play efficiency will be under the microscope from the first period. Carolina's penalty kill has been one of the stingiest in the league, so Ottawa's man-advantage unit needs to come out sharp and force the Hurricanes to respect them early. Likewise, the Sens' PK unit will need to be disciplined and tight — Carolina is dangerous when they get opportunities with the extra skater.
Expect both coaching staffs to use their timeout and matchup advantages strategically. Mistakes here won't just cost a goal — they can shift momentum for an entire period.
2. Goaltending: Who Blinks First?
Playoff series are often decided in the crease, and Game 1 is no different. Ottawa's goaltender will need to be dialled in, especially in the first period when nerves and energy are highest. Carolina's offence has the firepower to test any netminder, and they play a relentless, puck-possession style that creates sustained pressure in the offensive zone.
A strong start from Ottawa's starter could set the tone for the entire series and give the Senators the confidence boost they need heading into hostile territory.
3. Ottawa's Depth Lines Can't Be Passengers
In the regular season, top lines carry the load. In the playoffs, depth wins series. Ottawa's third and fourth lines will need to win puck battles, create zone time, and — critically — not give Carolina's high-energy fourth line any cheap opportunities. If Ottawa's bottom-six can match Carolina's physical intensity and contribute offensively, the Senators will be in a much stronger position heading back to Ottawa for potential home games.
What It Means for Ottawa
Back home, Ottawa hockey fans are gearing up in full force. Watch parties, bar screens at places across the city, and social media are all buzzing with Sens fever. This is the first taste of playoff Ottawa in recent years, and the city is hungry for a deep run.
Game 1 is always about setting a tone. If the Senators can steal one in Raleigh, the momentum shift heading back to the capital would be massive. If Carolina controls the series opener, Ottawa still has the character to battle back — but road wins in the playoffs are invaluable.
Stay tuned to ottown.ca for Senators playoff coverage all series long. Go Sens go. 🥅
Source: NHL.com, ESPN, CBC — Google News Sens RSS feed
