Carolina Hurricanes News

Andersen will be looking to bounce back in Game 2 after his eight game playoff winning streak was snapped in Game 1 after allowing five goals on 21 shots (.762 SV%) in the opener. The 36-year-old veteran net-minder has been nearly unbeatable in the playoffs thus far, with his eye-opening 8-1-0 record, 1.51 GAA and .932 SV%. He hosts the surging Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, who have won the last five contests between the two teams.

Andersen and the undefeated Hurricanes enter the third round of the postseason well rested, having not played since sweeping the Philadelphia Flyers with a 3-2 overtime victory 12 days ago. The 36-year-old Andersen has been tremendous this postseason, posting a 1.12 GAA and .950 SV% in eight games (8-0). Prolonged rest hasn't been an issue for Andersen and the Hurricanes so far this postseason, who began round two with a 3-0 shutout victory over the Flyers after a full week break. The Hurricanes enter Game One against the Montreal Canadiens as sizeable -193 home favourites.

Andersen and the undefeated Hurricanes enter the third round of the postseason well rested, having not played since sweeping the Philadelphia Flyers with a 3-2 overtime victory 12 days ago. The 36-year-old Andersen has been tremendous this postseason, posting a 1.12 GAA and .950 SV% in eight games (8-0). Prolonged rest hasn't been an issue for Andersen and the Hurricanes so far this postseason, who began round two with a 3-0 shutout victory over the Flyers after a full week break. The Hurricanes enter Game One against the Montreal Canadiens as sizeable -193 home favourites.

The Hurricanes selected Fransen in the third round (No.69 overall) in 2024. The 20-year-old defenseman split the 2026 season between the SHL and HockeyAllsvenskan. He had one goal and one assist in 13 SHL games and added 14 points (6G / 8A) in 38 HockeyAllsvenskan games. GM Eric Tulsky said the Hurricanes are looking forward to seeing him in North America next season,” so expect him to report to the Chicago Wolves (AHL) next fall.

Cerrato was a second-round pick, 49th overall, of the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. The 21-year-old forward recently completed his second season with Pennsylvania State University, where he scored 27 points (7G / 20A) in 23 games. Most recently, he was on a professional tryout with the Chicago Wolves (AHL), helping him earn his entry-level contract.

Jankowski has had trouble being an NHL regular in recent years, but found a home in Carolina this season, and has been rewarded with a two-year contract extension. The 31-year-old forward scored 21 points (11G / 10A) this season in 68 games, his highest total since 2018-19.

Despite coming off of unquestionably the worst regular season of his career, Andersen continues to impress in the 2025-26 postseason. The veteran 36-year-old goalie was outstanding once again in Game two against the Philadelphia Flyers, saving 34 of 36 shots (.944 SV%) in a 3-2 overtime win to give his team a 2-0 series lead. In six games this postseason (6-0), he has a near-perfect 1.02 GAA and .958 SV%. The Hurricanes hope to take a commanding 3-0 series lead, entering Game Three as -163 road favourites.

Alexander Nikishin (concussion) will return to Carolina's lineup for Game Three, sending Reilly to the sidelines as a healthy scratch. In two games this postseason, the 32-year-old Reilly is averaging 12:55 time-on-ice and has two assists.

Nikishin has not played since receiving a thunderous hit from Tyler Kleven of the Ottawa Senators nearly two weeks ago. That said, Nikishin should return to the lineup for Game Three against the Philadelphia Flyers. Mike Reilly will exit the lineup to accommodate Nikishin's return.

Despite coming off of unquestionably the worst regular season of his career, Andersen continues to impress in the 2025-26 postseason. The veteran 36-year-old goalie was outstanding once again in Game two against the Philadelphia Flyers, saving 34 of 36 shots (.944 SV%) in a 3-2 overtime win to give his team a 2-0 series lead. In six games this postseason (6-0), he has a near-perfect 1.02 GAA and .958 SV%. The Hurricanes hope to take a commanding 3-0 series lead, entering Game Three as -163 road favourites.

Nikishin has not played since receiving a thunderous hit from Tyler Kleven of the Ottawa Senators nearly two weeks ago. That said, a break between play, Nikishin has only missed two games, and could return to the lineup for Game Three against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Andersen stopped all 19 shots that he faced in the Hurricanes' 3-0 shutout win over the Flyers in Game 1. It was another dominant performance from the Hurricanes and another great effort from the veteran netminder, who carries a 5-0-0 record, 0.90 GAA, .961 SV% and two shutouts into Game 2. The Hurricanes are monstrous -255 favourites on home-ice.

Even with Alexander Nikishin (concussion) unavailable, Legault sat as a healthy scratch in Game 1 vs. the Flyers. So he'll report to Chicago, who are in the middle of the Calder Cup Playoffs. This is also a sign that Nikishin is ready-to-go, but the Hurricanes will stick with what worked in Game 1.

Just like he did in Game 1, Nikishin was on the ice for Monday's morning skate but will not play in Game 2. This is likely a combination of taking caution with a concussion and not wanting to change a lineup that won 3-0 in Game 1. Nikishin should be ready to go in Game 3 should the Hurricanes require his services.

Andersen stopped all 19 shots that he faced in the Hurricanes' 3-0 shutout win over the Flyers in Game 1. It was another dominant performance from the Hurricanes and another great effort from the veteran netminder, who carries a 5-0-0 record, 0.90 GAA, .961 SV% and two shutouts into Game 2. The Hurricanes are monstrous -255 favourites on home-ice.

With Alexander Nikishin sidelined with a concussion, Reilly will make his 2025-26 postseason debut. In 21 career playoff games with the Bruins and Islanders, Reilly has one goal and five assists.

Nikishin had to be helped off of the ice in the Hurricanes' series clinching win in Ottawa last Saturday, and will miss Game 1 vs. the Flyers as he continues to recover from a concussion. Mike Reilly will draw into the lineup to replace Nikishin.

Fresh off an impressive four-game sweep over the Ottawa Senators, the Hurricanes will return from a week-long break, turning to Andersen to tend the twine in Game One against the Philadelphia Flyers. After arguably the worst season of his career, Andersen's presence in Carolina's crease this postseason was uncertain, but he has rewarded Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour for his decision thus far. In four games this postseason (4-0), Andersen has an elite 1.10 GAA and .955 SV%. The Hurricanes enter Game One on Saturday as sizeable -208 home favourites.

Ehlers missed Game 4 vs. the Senators but was a full participant in practice the last two days, and is expected to play in Game 1 on Saturday night. Ehlers finished Round 1 with one assist and seven shots on goal in his three games.