Carolina Hurricanes vs. Ottawa Senators 2026 NHL Playoffs Series Preview, Picks, Odds

By Kody Malstrom | Apr 17, 2026, 10:10am

While the Colorado Avalanche hogged the spotlight, the Carolina Hurricanes quietly rivaled them in the Presidents’ Trophy standings, as well as nearly matched them in Expected Goals on both sides of the ice. A viable contender to win it all, the Hurricanes possess all the tools that are needed to make a deep run in the playoffs.

Unfortunately for Carolina, they kick off their run with a first round matchup against the Ottawa Senators who are getting hot at just the right time. With the Senators defense capable of slowing down the Hurricanes high powered front line, their series is poised to go the distance, creating some value in their exactas.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Ottawa Senators Series Betting Analysis

Since the start of the regular season, the Hurricanes front line have been dominant, ranking second overall in Expected Goals For in All Situations and in 5-on-5 Play. While their offense has thrived, their defense has been nearly just as productive, sitting near the top of the board in Expected Goals Against.

With their back line excelling in coverage, Brandon Bussi has been able to string together his performances, averaging just 2.47 Goals Against per game. While his current Save Percentage indicates negative regression may be looming large, the protection he receives will help him brush it to the side, keeping the Hurricanes competitive in the process.

Unfortunately for Bussi, the Ottawa Senators resurgence on offense may be enough to break through their back line, fielding a group who has managed to claw their way into the top-10 in Expected Goals For in All Situations. Especially with Brady Tkachuk leading the charge as he excels at pressuring the net, averaging 0.50 Expected Goals and 3.68 Shots on Goal per game.

With the Senators capable of giving the Hurricanes back line fits, they will be able to match their output, making it easier for them to keep it uncomfortably close on the scoreboard. Should a bounce or two go their way, then the Senators will be able to steal a game, increasing their chances of taking them the distance.

While I debated backing the Senators to win the series, it’s tough to ignore how much Linus Ullmark has struggled throughout the year, averaging nearly three Goals Against per game and a .891 Save Percentage. With wear and tear playing a bigger role in a seven game series, any regression from their back line will leave Ullmark vulnerable to getting beat.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Ottawa Senators Series Prediction, Pick & Best Bet

Carolina to win the series 4-3 at +425 is the best series bet.

Best Bet: Carolina wins the series 4-3 (+425)
Series Prediction: Carolina 4-3

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Ottawa Senators Series Schedule

Sat., Apr. 18 – Ottawa at Carolina, Game 1 – 3:00 p.m./ESPN
Mon., Apr. 20 – Ottawa at Carolina, Game 2 – 7:30 p.m./ESPN2
Thu., Apr. 23 – Carolina at Ottawa, Game 3 – 7:30 p.m./TBS
Sat., Apr. 25 – Carolina at Ottawa, Game 4 – 3:00 p.m./TBS
Mon., Apr. 27 – Ottawa at Carolina, Game 5 if nec. – TBD
Thu., Apr. 30 – Carolina at Ottawa, Game 6 if nec. – TBD
Sat., May 2 – Ottawa at Carolina, Game 7 if nec. – TBD

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Ottawa Senators Series Odds

Series Winner

Hurricanes (-170)
Senators (+145)

Series Spread

Hurricanes +1.5 (-310)
Hurricanes -1.5 (+120)
Hurricanes +2.5 (-800)
Hurricanes -2.5 (+250)
Senators +1.5 (-140)
Senators -1.5 (+250)
Senators +2.5 (-310)
Senators -2.5 (+550)

Total Games

4 Games (+550)
5 Games (+265)
6 Games (+205)
7 Games (+215)

Series Score

Hurricanes 4-0 (+850)
Hurricanes 4-1 (+425)
Hurricanes 4-2 (+425)
Hurricanes 4-3 (+425)
Senators 4-0 (+1900)
Senators 4-1 (+900)
Senators 4-2 (+550)
Senators 4-3 (+600)

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Ottawa Senators Series Betting Resources

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Ottawa Senators Series Players to Watch

Carolina Hurricanes

Seth Jarvis – Season Stats: 32 goals, 34 assists, +6
Sebastian Aho – Season Stats: 27 goals, 53 assists, +11
Brandon Bussi – Season Stats: 31-6-2, 2.47 GAA, .895 SV%

Ottawa Senators

Brady Tkachuk – Season Stats: 22 goals, 37 assists, +4
Tim Stutzle – Season Stats: 34 goals, 49 assists, +7
Linus Ullmark – Season Stats: 28-12-8, 2.73 GAA, .891 SV%

Photo Credit: AP/Karl B DeBlaker

Kody Malstrom

Kody is a professional sports bettor and sports betting journalist with eight years of experience in the industry. He covers a wide range of sports, including NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NCAAB, NHL, MLB, and UFC. What started as a side gig has turned into a full time job, spending a majority of his time staring at odds screens and market movement. When away from the computer, Kody enjoys spending his time outdoors relaxing at the beach or golfing with friends.