Andrei Svechnikov showcased his elite scoring ability during the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, netting five goals against the New Jersey Devils, including a pivotal hat trick in Game 4. His performance was crucial as the Carolina Hurricanes advanced in the playoffs, marking the first time he has reached five postseason goals.

At 25, Svechnikov is tied for the NHL lead in playoff goals, proving his resilience after a season-ending knee injury last year. Coach Rod Brind’Amour praised his aggressive play and significant contribution to the team’s success, indicating that Svechnikov is back to his best and ready for the next challenges ahead.

Andrei Svechnikov's impressive hat trick propelled the Carolina Hurricanes to a crucial 5-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils in Game 4 of their playoff series. The Hurricanes now lead the series 3-1, showcasing a strong response after their recent overtime loss. Brent Burns and Jaccob Slavin also contributed to the scoreline, with Burns adding a goal and an assist.

Frederik Andersen's early exit due to injury left Pyotr Kochetkov to finish the game in goal, where he recorded 14 saves. Despite the Devils’ efforts, highlighted by goals from Timo Meier and Nico Hischier, they struggled to gain footing. The series now heads back to Raleigh for Game 5 on Tuesday night.

The Ottawa Senators concluded the regular season on a high note, defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 7-5. Brady Tkachuk made his return after an eight-game injury absence but exited the game due to a stick to the face in the second period. Ottawa dominated initially, racing to a 3-0 lead with goals from Adam Gaudette, Dylan Cousins, and Shane Pinto. However, Carolina rallied back, scoring three consecutive goals in the second period to take a 5-3 lead.

The Senators responded with two goals in the third period, including a power-play goal from Drake Batherson that put them ahead again. Tim Stutzle sealed the win with another late power-play goal. Ottawa’s defenseman Travis Hamonic played in his 900th NHL game, showcasing the team’s resilience ahead of the playoffs.

As the Carolina Hurricanes prepare for their upcoming matchup, the injury statuses of key players are under scrutiny. Coach Rod Brind'Amour confirmed that forwards William Carrier, Jordan Staal, and Andrei Svechnikov participated in practice, but their availability for tonight's game remains uncertain. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who tweaked something during Saturday's practice, has no update on his status. Staal, sidelined for four games due to a lower-body injury, and Svechnikov, missing the last two games with an upper-body issue, are both hopeful for a return. Additionally, defenseman Jalen Chatfield may rejoin the lineup.

The Florida Panthers are also dealing with injury concerns, with Nico Sturm expected to return after an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers are managing injuries to Matt Rempe and K'Andre Miller, with Rempe working to regain strength after an upper-body issue. The Philadelphia Flyers have their own set of injuries, with Sean Couturier possibly just taking a maintenance day. The Ottawa Senators' Brady Tkachuk has not yet returned to skating after an upper-body injury, while the Toronto Maple Leafs will be without Jake McCabe and David Kampf for their Florida trip due to undisclosed and upper-body issues, respectively.

Buffalo Sabres forward Josh Norris is reportedly skating on his own, leading to optimism about his return before the end of the season. Meanwhile, teammate Tyson Kozak has been sidelined due to a hip strain, projected as week-to-week. In Carolina, Andrei Svechnikov is being held out as a precaution, while Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars participated in practice but remains doubtful for today's matchup against Pittsburgh. Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl is expected to miss some time but could be back for the playoffs, joining Connor McDavid, who has missed six games due to a lower-body injury. The New Jersey Devils' Cody Glass has been playing through a nagging injury but will now take time off to recover.