Hurricanes vs. Ottawa: Preview, Viewing Guide, and Game Discussion Thread

The Carolina Hurricanes take a quick trip to Ottawa. The Senators arrive fighting for a playoff spot.

Context and stakes

Carolina has played seven games in the past two weeks. Six of those games were against teams battling for playoff position.

The stretch began with a 5-1 win in Pittsburgh. The Hurricanes also beat the New York Islanders on Saturday.

Entering Sunday, Carolina led Pittsburgh by 10 points in the Metropolitan Division. Pittsburgh has five games remaining.

If Pittsburgh wins all of its remaining games in regulation while Carolina loses six in regulation, Pittsburgh would claim the Metro on regulation wins. Carolina, however, can clinch the division with at least an overtime point in their game if Pittsburgh wins in regulation.

If Pittsburgh fails to win in regulation, Carolina would clinch the Metro outright. The Hurricanes hold an eight-game lead in regulation-plus-overtime wins (ROW).

A division title would be Carolina’s first since 2023. The race for the top seed in the East, though, remains tight. Montreal and Buffalo sit close in the standings.

Lineup and coaching notes

The Hurricanes face a short turnaround. They played a 7 PM home game last night and now travel for an early-evening start.

Expect limited practice time and few lineup changes. Frederik Andersen is projected to start in goal. Rod Brind’Amour is likely to keep the lines intact.

Ottawa situation

The Senators are clinging to a wild-card position. They are tied in points with Detroit, Philadelphia, and Columbus.

The Islanders sit one point ahead of that group. Washington is one point back with one fewer game remaining.

Ottawa dropped the first game of a home back-to-back to Minnesota. That loss was the fourth in five games for the Senators.

Off-ice distractions have surfaced this week. Comments made by Keith Tkachuk on the Tkachuk Brothers podcast drew attention, and the club’s goaltending plan remains under scrutiny.

Linus Ullmark could start again on short rest, mirroring Ilya Sorokin’s back-to-back usage. James Reimer has not played since Tuesday, and his status is uncertain.

How to watch

This Hurricanes vs. Ottawa: Viewing Guide lists broadcast and streaming options.

TV coverage in the Carolinas is on FanDuel Sports Network. Mike Maniscalco handles play-by-play. Tripp Tracy provides color commentary.

Hanna Yates and Shane Willis will supply off-ice reports. Fans in the Carolinas can stream via the FanDuel Sports Network app.

Outside the Carolinas, the game is available on the ESPN app for ESPN+ and ESPN Unlimited subscribers. The Hurricanes Radio Network begins pregame coverage at 4:30 on 99.9 The Fan.

The FDSN radio feed switches to the Hurricanes Radio Network at 5:00. That network includes 99.9, 730 The Game in Charlotte, ESPN New Bern 107.5/1490, and ESPN Greenville 107.5/1570. The feed is also streamable on the Hurricanes app.

Betting lines

Final notes

This Hurricanes vs. Ottawa: Preview outlines the stakes and likely starters. Expect a competitive game with playoff implications on both sides.

For live reactions, look for a Hurricanes vs. Ottawa: Game Discussion Thread on message boards and social platforms. Filmogaz.com will carry updates and links to coverage.