Carolina Hurricanes vs Ottawa Senators Picks and Predictions for Thursday April 23 2026
Use Code PPWC
The Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators continue their Eastern Conference First Round series on Thursday, April 23, 2026, when they meet for Game 3 at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. Puck drop is set for 7:30 PM, and the game will be available on TBS and HBO Max. Carolina enters the night holding a 2-0 series lead, while Ottawa returns home looking to get back into the matchup. The betting line shows Ottawa at -110 on the moneyline and Carolina at +102, with the total set at 5.5 goals. Get ready to track all the NHL playoff action with our Free NHL picks.
Previous Game Recap
Carolina took Game 2 by a 3-2 final in double overtime, pushing its series lead to 2-0 after another tight playoff battle. The Hurricanes opened the scoring in the first period and carried a 2-0 lead before Ottawa answered with a pair of goals in the second. From there, the game settled into a tense stretch with neither side finding the net in the third period or first overtime, until Carolina finally broke through in the second overtime to seal the win. It was a game that stayed narrow throughout, with both teams trading pressure and the final margin once again reflecting how little separated them.
Ottawa still had several strong performances despite the loss. Drake Batherson scored one of the Senators’ two goals and finished with three shots, while Dylan Cozens also found the net and added another three-shot effort. Jake Sanderson was a major part of Ottawa’s push, recording two assists while logging heavy ice time, and Ridly Greig chipped in an assist as well. Brady Tkachuk was active offensively with six shots, and Linus Ullmark did everything he could to keep Ottawa in the game, stopping 46 of 49 shots over 93:34 and posting a .939 save percentage in a busy night in goal.
Carolina got the winning result behind several impactful efforts of its own. Sebastian Aho scored once and put four shots on goal, while Jordan Martinook also scored and led the Hurricanes with seven shots. Logan Stankoven added the double-overtime winner on a five-shot night, and the supporting playmakers were involved throughout, with Jackson Blake, Nikolaj Ehlers, Taylor Hall, Jordan Staal, and K’Andre Miller each contributing an assist. Frederik Andersen was excellent in net, turning aside 37 of 39 shots and finishing with a .949 save percentage across 93:33 as Carolina held firm in the late stages.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Carolina Carries the Edge Into Ottawa
Carolina comes into Game 3 with a 53-22-7 overall record and a 24-12-5 record on the road, giving the Hurricanes a strong profile as the series shifts to Ottawa. Over their last five games, Carolina recently won over Ottawa 3-2 in double overtime and recently won over Ottawa 2-0 to open this series. Before that, the Hurricanes recently won over the Islanders 2-1, recently lost to Philadelphia 3-2 in a shootout, and recently won over Utah 4-1. They have now stacked together four wins in their last five games, and the two playoff victories over Ottawa have put them in a clear position of control heading into this road opportunity.
The Hurricanes have been sharp across the season in several key categories. Carolina averaged 3.55 goals per game while allowing 2.88 goals against per contest. The Hurricanes also generated 32.2 shots per game while allowing only 23.9 shots, which stands out as one of the strongest statistical advantages in this matchup. On special teams, Carolina recorded 60 power-play goals and operated at 24.9 percent on the power play, while the penalty kill checked in at 80.6 percent after allowing 45 power-play goals. They also produced 12 shorthanded goals.
One of the clearest strengths for Carolina in this matchup is the shot profile. The Hurricanes average 32.2 shots per game while allowing only 23.9, and that combination gives them an important edge in territorial play. Through two playoff games, they have found ways to turn that steady pressure into wins, even when the margins have been slim. Carolina does not need a wide-open game to succeed, because its numbers suggest it can control pace, limit looks, and still create enough offense to stay dangerous.
Ottawa Returns Home Facing Pressure
Ottawa enters Game 3 with a 44-27-11 overall record and a 23-12-6 mark at home, so the Senators now return to a building where they were a solid team during the season. Their last five games have included a recent loss to Carolina by a 3-2 score in double overtime and a recent loss to Carolina 2-0 in Game 1, putting them in an 0-2 hole in the series. Before those losses, Ottawa recently won over Toronto 3-1, recently lost to New Jersey 4-3 in overtime, and recently won over the Islanders 3-0. The Senators have been competitive, but the results in this series have not gone their way so far.
Ottawa’s team numbers still show a club capable of producing offense and keeping games close. The Senators averaged 3.35 goals per game and allowed 2.99 goals against. They recorded 28.9 shots per game while giving up 24.4 shots, and their special teams were productive as well, with 63 power-play goals and a 24.0 percent conversion rate. The penalty kill finished at 75.8 percent after allowing 57 power-play goals, and Ottawa also added eight shorthanded goals during the season.
The number that stands out most for Ottawa is the penalty kill rate of 75.8 percent, especially against a Carolina team that converted 24.9 percent of its power plays during the season. Ottawa has enough offensive ability to stay in this matchup, but the pressure points in a close playoff game can often show up on special teams. Since both games in the series have been decided by narrow margins, any disadvantage in that area becomes more meaningful as Ottawa tries to avoid falling further behind.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Ottawa Senators Picks and Prediction
Moneyline Pick
- Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina has already shown it can win this series in two different ways, first with a 2-0 result and then with a 3-2 double-overtime victory, and the Hurricanes bring stronger overall numbers into Game 3. Their 53-22-7 record, solid 24-12-5 road mark, and edge in both goals per game and shots per game all support the visiting side here. Ottawa has been competitive and now gets back home, but Carolina’s ability to drive play with a 32.2 to 23.9 shot differential is hard to ignore. The pick is Carolina on the moneyline.
Total Pick
- Under 5.5
The total is set at 5.5 goals, and this matchup leans slightly toward the under based on what these teams have shown in both the series and the season-long defensive numbers provided. Game 1 finished 2-0, and Game 2 ended 3-2 even after going to double overtime, which shows how tight these games have been. Carolina allows 2.88 goals per game, Ottawa allows 2.99, and both teams also limit shots well. With two straight close, controlled playoff games already in the books, the lean here is to the under 5.5.
Final Score Prediction: Carolina Hurricanes 3 – Ottawa Senators 2
Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance
- Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
- If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
- If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
- Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
