The Ottawa Senators were eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs on Saturday, April 25, 2026, after a 4-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Hurricanes completed a four-game sweep in the first-round series, ending the Senators' season.
Game Summary
Carter Yakemchuk recorded two points in his first playoff game, Dylan Cozens and Drake Batherson each scored again, and Linus Ullmark made 26 saves for the Senators. Despite their efforts, Ottawa could not overcome Carolina's early lead and consistent pressure.
The Hurricanes scored first for the fourth consecutive game, and although Ottawa's power play managed one goal, they failed to capitalize on eight other opportunities. The Senators finished the series 1-for-21 on the man advantage.
Linus Ullmark was brilliant once more, giving his team a chance to win, but the Senators only managed five goals for him in the entire series.
Player Grades
Forwards
Tim Stutzle: C+
Stutzle finally broke through on the scoresheet with a primary assist on Drake Batherson's tying goal. However, he did not bring a playoff-type game, was too easily knocked off pucks, and failed to finish a shorthanded rush chance in the second period.
Drake Batherson: A-
Batherson scored three of the Senators' five goals in the series, including one on Saturday. He drove the net on a Stutzle one-timer to have it rebound off his body. He drew a hook and a trip, nearly gave Ottawa the lead with a one-timer late in the second, and set up Cozens for the 3-2 goal with an empty net.
Claude Giroux: B+
Giroux had his best game of the series with a team-high six shots. He had a strong active stick in the defensive zone and was a key part of a successful penalty kill, despite an unlucky break on Jackson Blake's 2-1 goal. He won 5 of 9 faceoffs.
Brady Tkachuk: B
Tkachuk saved his best performance for the final game, getting physical and taking runs at Hurricanes players. He got away with a lot, only receiving a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, but it was too late to impact the series. He ended the series with zero points and a minus-4 rating.
Dylan Cozens: B+
Cozens and Batherson were the only Senators to score in the series. Cozens' goal came in garbage time, but it gave the team hope. He one-timed a centring pass from Batherson to make it 3-2 late in the third. He had a team-high eight hits in 17:23 of ice time and went 4-for-5 in the dot.
Series Overview
The Ottawa Senators fought hard to make the playoffs, overcoming goaltending issues and injuries, only to be swept by the Hurricanes. The team’s lack of offensive production and power-play struggles proved fatal. Captain Brady Tkachuk was held pointless for the fourth straight game, highlighting the team's difficulties.
