OTTAWA — In their last game before the playoffs, the Ottawa Senators defeated the Carolina Hurricanes with a score of 7-5 on Thursday night.
Brady Tkachuk, a key forward for Ottawa, returned to play after being out for eight games due to an upper-body injury. However, in the second period, he was hit in the face with a stick and did not return for the rest of the game.
Ottawa dominated the first part of the game, taking a 3-0 lead with goals from Adam Gaudette, Dylan Cousins, and Shane Pinto.
Carolina narrowed the gap to 3-2 before the end of the first period with goals from Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Skyler Brind’Amour, who scored his first NHL goal.
In the second period, Carolina scored three consecutive goals to take the lead 5-3.
Andrei Svechnikov scored on a power play to tie the game, and Jack Roslovic put Carolina ahead. Shortly after, Taylor Hall set up Tyson Jost to score against Ottawa`s goalie Linus Ullmark, who made 28 saves in total.
Early in the third period, Gaudette scored his second goal of the game, bringing Ottawa within one goal. Drake Batherson then tied the game, scoring against Carolina goalie Fredrik Andersen, who stopped 25 shots.
Batherson later scored again on a power play, giving the Senators the lead, and Tim Stutzle secured the victory with another power-play goal late in the game.
Thomas Chabot and Artem Zub from Ottawa, along with several regular players from Carolina, were rested for the upcoming playoffs.
Key Points:
- Senators: After a strong 3-0 start, Ottawa seemed to lose focus.
- Hurricanes: Despite falling behind early, Carolina managed to come back and take the lead.
Turning Point:
Carolina successfully defended against a 5-on-3 power play for almost two minutes in the second period.
Notable Stat:
Ottawa defenseman Travis Hamonic played his 900th NHL game.
What`s Next:
Senators: Ottawa will start their playoff journey on Sunday against the Maple Leafs in Toronto.
Hurricanes: Carolina will begin their playoff run at home on Sunday against the New Jersey Devils.
Tristan Blackwood