The Carolina Hurricanes will attempt to secure a spot in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs when they face the Ottawa Senators in Game 4 of their first-round series on Saturday, April 25.
The game is significant as the Hurricanes currently lead the series 3-0 and could close out their opening round with another win. The matchup will be broadcast on TBS, truTV, HBO Max, FanDuel Sports Network South, and available for listening on 99.9 The Fan and the Hurricanes App.
Frederik Andersen has played a key role for Carolina so far, recording a shutout in Game 1 and allowing only three goals across three games. Head Coach Rod Brind’Amour said Friday that “I’m hoping he feels pretty fresh and we keep going to him.” Brind’Amour also noted that if Andersen needs rest, backup Brandon Bussi could step in after finishing the regular season strong. Pyotr Kochetkov has returned to the active roster but is not yet considered a starting option by Brind’Amour.
Logan Stankoven has opened scoring for Carolina in each of the first three games this postseason. He became only the second player in National Hockey League history to score his team’s game-opening goal in its first three playoff games. Stankoven’s recent performance includes ten goals and five assists over his last eleven games combining regular season and playoffs.
On Ottawa’s side, Head Coach Travis Green ruled out Artem Zub due to an injury from Game 1 and Jake Sanderson because of a concussion sustained during Game 3. Captain Brady Tkachuk attributed Thursday’s loss to struggles on power plays as Ottawa remains scoreless on twelve opportunities with an extra skater during this series. Drake Batherson scored Ottawa’s lone goal in Game 3; only five Senators have recorded points so far this postseason.
According to the official website, notable players such as Eric Staal and Rod Brind’Amour have been recognized by induction into Carolina’s Hall of Fame for their contributions. The franchise won its first Stanley Cup championship in 2006 according to its official website.
The team plays home games at Lenovo Center Arena which accommodates up to 20,000 people and hosts more than 150 events annually according to its official website. The venue spans over 700,000 square feet with multiple seating levels along with amenities like suites and concession stands as reported by its official site. Beyond hockey events, it contributes over $200 million annually through local economic impact stemming from events and community engagement according to arena officials.
If Carolina wins Saturday’s contest, they will await details about their next opponent while taking Sunday off before preparing for Round Two. If Ottawa extends the series by winning Game Four, both teams will return for a potential fifth game at Lenovo Center Arena.
