Hurricanes vs Senators – MVP of the Series: Frederik Andersen

TL;DR

Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes has been named the MVP of the series against the Ottawa Senators, earning a shutout and winning both games in Ottawa. He boasts a league-best .955 save percentage and a 1.10 GAA in the playoffs.

Key points

Frederik Andersen named MVP of the series
Andersen achieved a .955 save percentage
Carolina Hurricanes won both games in Ottawa
Taylor Hall led the team with seven points
Team defense performed strongly throughout the series

Frederik AndersenCarolina HurricanesOttawa SenatorsTaylor Hall

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 18: Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes stands on the ice before the start of Game One of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Ottawa Senators at Lenovo Center on April 18, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images FREDDIE!!………FREDDIE!!………FREDDIE!! This is the chant you heard at the Lenovo Center during games one and two of the recent Senators/Hurricanes series. And for good reason. After earning a shutout in game one he was able to hold off the Sens through two overtimes until his team scored to win game two. Andersen went on to win both games in Ottawa and has performed better than any other goalie in the playoffs. He has allowed five goals in four games for a 1.10 GAA. He allowed those five goals on 110 shots for a postseason league best .955 save percentage. You could not ask anything more of him. For those of you who prefer the “goals expected” stat, he also leads in that category. While it can be argued that perhaps Brandon Bussi should have gotten a start, so the goalie could keep in game shape in case he is needed in the future, it would seem almost criminal to take Andersen out of the lineup when he is this hot. Other players deserve honorable mention. Taylor Hall led the team with seven points in those four games while cashed in with a team high four goals. The entire team defense needs recognition as they really hunkered down in their own end. looked like his old self. K’Andre Miller used his long reach to break up countless plays with his stick. showed an aggressive, physical nature to his game. While the Canes can sit back and prepare for the winner of the Penguins/Flyers series, they will also be hoping for a fast recovery for the injured and . They will be returning to on-ice practice shortly so we will see if there are any updates.

Q&A

What were Frederik Andersen's stats in the series against the Senators?

Frederik Andersen allowed five goals on 110 shots, achieving a 1.10 GAA and a .955 save percentage in the playoffs.

How did the Carolina Hurricanes perform in the first round against the Ottawa Senators?

The Carolina Hurricanes won both games in Ottawa and secured a shutout in game one of the series against the Senators.

Who were the standout players for the Hurricanes in the series?

Taylor Hall led the team with seven points, while Logan Stankoven scored a team-high four goals, and the defense, including Jaccob Slavin and K’Andre Miller, played exceptionally well.