Hurricanes vs. Senators schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series

Hurricanes vs. Senators schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After 82 games around the horn, the NHL Playoffs are finally upon us.

The Carolina Hurricanes have clinched the Eastern Conference for the first time in franchise history on Monday's shootout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, guaranteeing them home ice through the first three rounds of this year's playoffs. Prior to this, their best regular-season finish was second place, which they have achieved four times (2022-2024, 2006).

Even without home ice, Carolina certainly holds an advantage heading into this series. The Canes have the second-most goals per game in the league with 3.5. Along with scoring, they have held opponents to the fifth-fewest in the league, with 2.9 on average against them. They also have the league's fourth-best power play percentage in the league, scoring just under one out of four times (24.9%). Despite losing their most recent matchup against Ottawa, the Hurricanes won two of three meetings this season.

The Senators do have a lengthy advantage over the Canes on a couple of fronts. To start, Ottawa has the best face-off win percentage in the NHL, winning 54.5% of puck drops, compared to Carolina's 16th-best 50.1%. Along with timing their sticks, they are one of the league's more physical teams. They rank third with 23.8 hits per game (Carolina: 19.9, 18th). If Ottawa can use their physicality thoroughly and weather one of the NHL's top teams down, they might have a shot to be competitive. However, Carolina has proven to be a tough place to play in the playoffs, and the rowdy Raleigh crowd will do everything in their power to boost their team.

Here's what you need to know to watch Hurricanes vs. Senators, including broadcast information and start times.