Hurricanes News

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Alexander Nikishin • D • Hurricanes

Alexander Nikishin Set to Return Thursday

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin (concussion) is expected to draw into the lineup for Game 3 against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports. Earlier this week, the Russian blue-liner was cleared to return to action after recovering from a concussion. Nikishin worked with Shayne Gostisbehere on the third defensive pairing Thursday morning. His return will end Mike Reilly's run with the team. Reilly posted two assists in two games during Nikishin's absence. Nikishin has been held scoreless this postseason, but he has recorded two SOG, five blocks, and six hits in four games.

2 days ago

Alexander Nikishin • D • Hurricanes

Alexander Nikishin Cleared to Play in Game 3 Against Flyers

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin (concussion) has been cleared to return to the lineup, Kurt Dusterberg of NHL.com reports. He will be an option to play in Game 3 against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. Nikishin missed the first two games of the series due to a concussion sustained in a matchup with Ottawa on April 25. Mike Reilly has played in Nikishin's place, making a positive impact with two assists in two games. Nikishin has yet to score any points this postseason after having 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 81 regular-season contests.

4 days ago

Taylor Hall • LW • Hurricanes

Taylor Hall Makes History With Overtime Winner

Carolina Hurricanes left wing Taylor Hall sent fans into raptures with the game-winning goal in Monday's 3-2 overtime victory against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Hurricanes had to rally from a 2-0 deficit to keep a perfect playoff record. Hall established a new franchise record with a six-game postseason-opening point streak. The 2018 MVP has turned back the clock, amassing nine points (three goals, six assists) in six games this postseason. Another major milestone is on the horizon for Hall, as he can match the fourth-longest playoff point streak in Hurricanes history in Game 3 on Thursday.

4 days ago

Nikolaj Ehlers • LW • Hurricanes

Nikolaj Ehlers Collects Two Points in Comeback Win

Carolina Hurricanes winger Nikolaj Ehlers had a big role in Monday's 3-2 comeback win against the Philadelphia Flyers, finishing with a goal and an assist. With Carolina 2-0 down on home ice in Game 2 of the second-round series, Ehlers scored a power-play goal and assisted Seth Jarvis on the game-tying goal during even-strength play. Then Taylor Hall completed the comeback in overtime. This was Ehlers' fifth multi-point game in 50 career playoff outings. Postseason hockey hasn't suited him well, and his numbers aren't looking great this year either. In five appearances, Ehlers has recorded one goal and two assists. Game 3 presents Ehlers with a chance to score multiple points in consecutive playoff games for the first time in his 11-year NHL career.

4 days ago

Alexander Nikishin • D • Hurricanes

Alexander Nikishin Won't Play Monday

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin (concussion) will miss a second consecutive game on Monday against the Philadelphia Flyers, according to Walt Ruff & Peter Dewar of the Hurricanes' official site. The Russian blue-liner suffered a concussion during Carolina's series clincher against Ottawa. He wasn't quite ready to play in Game 1 against Philadelphia, allowing Mike Reilly to make his 2026 postseason debut. Reilly recorded two assists in a 3-0 win and will retain his spot on Monday night. "He's been solid," Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour said about Reilly Monday morning. "That's a tough role, really, to be in, when you're not in there every night. But that's what being a pro is, and he's demonstrated that all year."

5 days ago

Mike Reilly • D • Hurricanes

Mike Reilly Delivers Two Assists in Game 1 Win

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Mike Reilly impressed during his 2026 postseason debut on Saturday night, contributing two assists in a 3-0 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Reilly took Alexander Nikishin's (concussion) spot in the lineup and already had a multi-assist game within the first 7:30 of the first period, setting up Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake. He set a franchise record for the quickest two points by a defenseman to start a playoff career. Nikishin was considered a game-time decision for Saturday, so he will be available sooner rather than later. Still, with his savvy playmaking in Game 1, Reilly might have earned himself a longer stay in the lineup.

6 days ago

Logan Stankoven • C • Hurricanes

Logan Stankoven Establishes New Franchise Record With Five-Game Goal Streak

Carolina Hurricanes forward Logan Stankoven carried his hot form from Round 1 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs into the second-round opener, scoring twice in a 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. The 23-year-old became the first player in franchise history to record a five-game postseason goal streak. This has been a special playoff campaign for Stankoven, but it hasn't been entirely unexpected. He was also highly productive in the final weeks of the regular season. Since March 31, Stankoven has scored in 10 of his 13 appearances, totaling 18 points (13 goals, five assists). The run includes six goals and one assist in five playoff games. Unless Philadelphia contains Stankoven, this series could end in a hurry.

6 days ago

Frederik Andersen • G • Hurricanes

Frederik Andersen Records Second Postseason Shutout

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen recorded his second shutout of this postseason on Saturday, neutralizing the Philadelphia Flyers with 19 saves in a 3-0 Game 1 victory. The veteran netminder appears to have saved all his shutouts for the playoffs, having finished without one in 35 regular-season appearances. He has started the postseason brilliantly, winning all five starts while allowing 0.90 goals with a .961 save percentage. Overall, Andersen has collected four shutouts with the Hurricanes, tying Cam Ward for the most in franchise history. Based on his current form, Andersen looks set to become the sole record holder very soon.

6 days ago

Alexander Nikishin • D • Hurricanes

Alexander Nikishin a Game-Time Call Saturday

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin (concussion) is a game-time decision on Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports. He reportedly has one more test to pass to clear the NHL's concussion protocol. Nikishin sustained his concussion last Saturday in Game 4 against the Ottawa Senators. He wore a regular jersey at Friday's practice, a good sign that he will be available for the second-round opener. In Round 1, Nikishin failed to register a point but contributed five blocks and six hits in four games. He's filling a third-pairing role on defense and skating with the second power-play unit.

7 days ago

Nikolaj Ehlers • LW • Hurricanes

Nikolaj Ehlers Expected to Play Saturday

Carolina Hurricanes winger Nikolaj Ehlers (lower body) is expected to play in Game 1 against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports. A week ago, Ehlers was unavailable for Carolina's series-clinching victory over Ottawa due to a lower-body injury. In three games against the Senators, he recorded one assist and seven SOG. On Saturday night, Ehlers is expected to skate on the third line with Jordan Staal and Jordan Martinook. He should also reclaim his spot on the first power-play unit. The Danish veteran tallied 29 of his 71 points during the regular season with the man advantage.

7 days ago

Nikolaj Ehlers • LW • Hurricanes

Hurricanes Hope to Have Nikolaj Ehlers Back for Second Round

Carolina Hurricanes winger Nikolaj Ehlers (lower body) didn't practice on Tuesday, but head coach Rod Brind'Amour hopes to have him available for the start of the second round in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Carolina was without the services of Ehlers last weekend as it closed out the first-round series against Ottawa. The Danish forward missed Game 4 due to a lower-body injury after contributing one assist in the first three games of the series. In Ehlers' absence, William Carrier moved up the lineup, and Nicolas Deslauriers made his 2026 postseason debut. If Ehlers remains unavailable for the Round 2 opener, the two could benefit again.

Apr 29

Alexander Nikishin • D • Hurricanes

Alexander Nikishin Could Be Available in Round 2

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin (concussion) is making good progress, and the team hopes to have him available for Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Russian blue-liner suffered a concussion in Carolina's series-clinching win over Ottawa on Saturday. On Tuesday, Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour said "everything's trending in the right direction" on Nikishin, who had a solid rookie campaign with 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 81 games. However, he couldn't replicate his regular-season form in the matchup with the Senators, finishing scoreless in four games. Mike Reilly and Charles-Alexis Legault will compete for Nikishin's spot in the lineup if he doesn't clear concussion protocol before the start of the second round.

Apr 29

Alexander Nikishin • D • Hurricanes

Alexander Nikishin Diagnosed With Concussion

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin has been officially diagnosed with a concussion after being injured in Saturday's Game 4 against the Ottawa Senators. Nikishin had to exit the game early in the second period after being on the receiving end of a massive hit from Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven. The Russian rearguard must clear the NHL's concussion protocol before being an option to return to the lineup. Carolina finished off the first-round series on Saturday, so the team will have some downtime before the next game, which will benefit Nikishin. After a good rookie campaign, Nikishin has been quiet in the playoffs, failing to score a point in four games.

Apr 26

Frederik Andersen • G • Hurricanes

Frederik Andersen a Game-Changer as Carolina Closes Out Ottawa

Goaltender Frederik Andersen allowed five goals in four games for the Carolina Hurricanes in Round 1. That included a shutout while recording 25 saves on 27 shots in the clincher on Saturday. The Danish goaltender may be 36, but he played like he was 26. Despite nine power-play chances, Ottawa only scored once as Andersen made several high-danger saves on the penalty kill. Andersen, as Sean Walker said, "was the real difference in this series." The goaltender posted a .955 save percentage and a 1.10 goals-against average in the series as Carolina awaits its next opponent.

Apr 26

Logan Stankoven • C • Hurricanes

Logan Stankoven Scores Yet Again as Carolina Sweeps Ottawa

Center Logan Stankoven did it again on Saturday as the Carolina Hurricanes eliminated the Ottawa Senators via a 4-2 Game 4 win. Stankoven scored a critical power-play goal early in the third period. The Carolina center scored a goal in every game of the series as the Hurricanes advanced to Round 2. The second line, which includes Taylor Hall and Jackson Blake, combined for 16 points. Stankoven also had three shots on goal, which gave him a total of 18 points in the series. Sebastian Aho was credited with the game-winning tally via the first of his two empty-net goals. However, it was Stankoven who again did not miss when opportunity presented itself.

Apr 26

Nikolaj Ehlers • LW • Hurricanes

Nikolaj Ehlers Dealing With Lower-Body Injury

Carolina Hurricanes winger Nikolaj Ehlers (lower body) was a late scratch for Saturday's Game 4 against the Ottawa Senators. Ehlers averaged over 20 minutes of ice time in the first three games of the series and didn't appear to be limited in any way, but a lower-body injury knocked him out of the lineup. The Danish forward has tallied one assist in the lower-scoring matchup. With Ehlers unavailable, Nicolas Deslauriers jumped into action. Carolina has a chance to end the series on Saturday, which would give Ehlers a lot of recovery time before the next game.

Apr 25

Logan Stankoven • C • Hurricanes

Logan Stankoven Makes Big Impact in Carolina's Game 1 Victory

Carolina Hurricanes center Logan Stankoven had a nice scoring run before the Stanley Cup Playoffs started. Stankoven scored seven goals and 11 points over his final eight regular-season contests. He began Game 1 against Ottawa with three shots in the opening 20 minutes, including a few high-quality opportunities. Stankoven ended with a pivotal goal and an assist, along with six shots on goal. Lost in the gaudy numbers may be the six hits the forward delivered. He was the physical centerpiece on a second line, along with Jackson Blake and Taylor Hall, that caused problems for Ottawa's defense.

Apr 19

Frederik Andersen • G • Hurricanes

Frederik Andersen Shuts Out Ottawa in Game 1

Frederik Andersen went into the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with some doubt. Andersen endured the worst season of his 13-year career. However, he only gave up three goals on 52 shots in his final two starts of the regular season. When Rod Brind'Amour gave Andersen the starting nod for Game 1, some were surprised. Andersen made 22 saves against Ottawa including a shot some thought was a goal by Drake Batherson. It turned into a key moment as the Senators never got one past Andersen. The Danish goaltender picked quite a time to get his first shutout of the season to open the playoffs.

Apr 19

Logan Stankoven • C • Hurricanes

Logan Stankoven Presumed Ready for Game 1

Carolina Hurricanes center Logan Stankoven (illness) practiced on Friday. He was situated between his usual linemates, Taylor Hall and Jackson Blake. Walt Ruff noted that nothing appeared out of the ordinary with Stankoven during practice. The 23-year-old was missing from Thursday's practice due to a minor illness. The center moved around the middle six a bit but found a home on the second line during the season. Stankoven is one of Carolina's hottest players going into Round 1 with 11 points in his previous eight contests. This means the second line and power play unit will be 100% for Saturday afternoon against the Ottawa Senators.

Apr 18

Pyotr Kochetkov • G • Hurricanes

Pyotr Kochetkov Starting for Hurricanes Tuesday

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov (hip) will return to action on Tuesday against the New York Islanders, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports. The Russian netminder underwent a hip procedure in December and was declared "probably out for the year." Yet Kochetkov will make his comeback in Carolina's regular-season finale after having a conditioning stint in the AHL. Before injuring his hip, Kochetkov had a fine start to the season. He holds a 6-2-0 record with a 2.33 goals-against average, a .899 save percentage, and one shutout. On Tuesday, Kochetkov faces an out-of-form team that has gone 1-6-0 to end the year, scoring just once in the last two games.

Apr 14

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