Round 1, Game 3 – Player of the Game: Taylor Hall

TL;DR

Taylor Hall was named Player of the Game in the Hurricanes' 2-1 victory over the Senators, contributing two assists. He leads the team in points for the series with five, while controversy surrounded a hit on Jake Sanderson.

Key points

Taylor Hall earned two assists in Game 3
Hall leads the Hurricanes with five points in the playoffs
Controversy arose from Hall's high hit on Jake Sanderson
Hurricanes won 2-1 against the Senators
Next game is on Saturday afternoon

Mentioned in this story

Travis Green

Taylor HallCarolina HurricanesOttawa SenatorsLinus Ullmark

OTTAWA, CANADA - APRIL 23: Taylor Hall #71 of the Carolina Hurricanes attacks the net against Linus Ullmark #35 of the Ottawa Senators during the second period in Game Three of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre on April 23, 2026, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by André Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images Once again, it is time to select a “player of the game” for the Hurricanes in their 2-1 win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night. Once again, it’s a difficult task. You could choose Fred Andersen, who had a near flawless game in net. Unlike game two where there was some puck luck involved, he looked in full control in this game. He was our “MVP” of game one. You could choose Logan Stankoven, who has scored first in each playoff game for Carolina so far. That is special stuff! Thanks in part to Stanky, Ottawa has yet to play a single second with the lead in this series. Nadda….zilch…..nothing. Not a second. In addition, the defense has played very well. All of them have excelled and they are playing at the top of their respective games. While the top line has been quiet offensively, they have shut down the opposition’s top players, not an easy task. But once again, I am going for the assist man. Taylor Hall earned an assist on each goal yesterday. First, he skated the puck to the net for a shot, gathered his own rebound and skated behind the net, then found an open Stankoven cross ice, who made no mistake. Later he got the puck in the blueline, made a nice pass to K’Andre Miller, who then made a delicious, no look pass to , for the game-winner. Like my previous pick, Hall was involved in a bit of controversy. Early in the second period, he hit with what was considered a high hit, even though both players are about the same height. Sanderson was leaning down for the puck, but Hall did not leave his feet on the play or seem to target the defenseman. Regardless, he did hit him in the head and was charged with the appropriate penalty. Ottawa coach, Travis Green was emphatic after the game thinking that it should have been a major. This is the same coach who was 100% certain that Staal was offsides the previous game, even though most experts around the league were not so sure. Regardless, he did get the call as the league agreed. Not so much this time. The league looked at the play and there will be no further discipline for Hall. Hall has been a driver on offense this entire series and leads the team with five points, (1G 4A). He also has a team best plus +4. His impact card is not too shabby either. The Canes will be off until their next game on Saturday afternoon. They will look to close out the series then.

Q&A

What were Taylor Hall's contributions in Game 3 against the Senators?

Taylor Hall provided two assists in the Hurricanes' 2-1 win, helping set up both goals.

What is Taylor Hall's point total in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs so far?

Taylor Hall leads the Hurricanes with five points, consisting of one goal and four assists.

Was there any controversy involving Taylor Hall in Game 3?

Yes, Hall received a penalty for a high hit on Jake Sanderson, which sparked debate over whether it should have been a major penalty.

When is the next game for the Carolina Hurricanes in the playoffs?

The Hurricanes' next game is scheduled for Saturday afternoon as they aim to close out the series.