The Ottawa Senators face the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the NHL playoffs on April 18 at Lenovo Center. Predictions suggest a potentially closer series than expected due to the Senators' strong performance post-Olympics.
Key points
Ottawa Senators face Carolina Hurricanes in NHL playoffs
Game 1 scheduled for April 18 at Lenovo Center
Hurricanes have advanced past first round for five seasons
The Ottawa Senators' torrid pace post-Olympics has set them up for a first-round clash with the Carolina Hurricanes, with Game 1 taking place on Saturday, April 18 at Lenovo Center.
My Senators vs. Hurricanes predictions and NHL picks suggest that, despite the Hurricanes advancing past the first round in five consecutive seasons, fans may be in for a closer series than many anticipate thanks to the exploits of Ottawa players like Dylan Cozens.
Senators vs Hurricanes Game 1 prediction
Senators vs Hurricanes best bet: Dylan Cozens Over 0.5 points (+115)
Dylan Cozens finished the regular season third in scoring for the Ottawa Senators, registering a point in five of his last six games.
He notched a multi-point performance in a 6-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on April 5, and had four points in two games against them this season.
Perhaps more importantly, the Yukon native strung together a four-game point streak to help secure a second consecutive postseason berth for the Sens.
Furthermore, his 28 shots in the month of April are nine more than his closest teammates, a testament to his level of confidence right now.
Q&A
What date is Game 1 of the Senators vs Hurricanes playoff series?
Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday, April 18.
Where is the Senators vs Hurricanes Game 1 being held?
The game will take place at Lenovo Center.
How have the Hurricanes performed in recent playoffs?
The Hurricanes have advanced past the first round in five consecutive seasons.
Who are key players to watch in the Senators vs Hurricanes series?
Key players include Dylan Cozens from the Senators, who has been instrumental in their recent success.
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Senators vs Hurricanes Game 1 same-game parlay
Taylor Hall has been one of Carolina's most productive forwards post-Olympics. The 2010 first-overall pick ranks fourth on the team with 21 points in 23 games since the break, ending the regular season notching eight points across the final six games.
Both him and Cozens are generously priced at +115 to hit the scoresheet in Raleigh on Saturday.
The Senators, similarly red-hot since Milan, have failed to cover the spread against the Hurricanes just once in their last five meetings. Heading into Game 1, they've covered the spread in six straight and in seven of eight games in April.
Andrei Svechnikov has scored in six of his last seven games, hitting his stride at the perfect time.
The 2018 second-overall pick led the 'Canes with eight playoff goals last season, and has scored in three straight games against Atlantic Division opponents. He scored against the Senators on April 5.
Four of his last six goals have come via the power play, which matches up well against the Sens' abysmal 29th-ranked penalty kill.
This matchup has hit the Over in three of the last four games, with the winner scoring at least four goals in eight of the last nine. Find more NHL betting trends for Senators vs. Hurricanes.
How to watch Senators vs Hurricanes Game 1
Location
Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
Date
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Puck drop
3:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN, SN
Senators vs Hurricanes latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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