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.

Andrei Svechnikov, the Carolina Hurricanes forward, is set to miss the team's upcoming four-game road trip due to an undisclosed injury. Head coach Rod Brind'Amour confirmed that this absence is precautionary. Previously, Svechnikov missed seven games last month with an upper-body injury, but has been a significant contributor this season, ranking fourth on the team with 45 points (19 goals, 26 assists) in 66 games. The Hurricanes have already secured a playoff spot and will begin their road trip in Detroit, followed by games in Boston, Buffalo, and Washington. Svechnikov is expected to return for the April 12 home game against the New York Rangers, ahead of the regular season's conclusion on April 17.

Injuries are piling up for several NHL teams as the playoffs approach. Carolina Hurricanes forward Jordan Staal sat out for a second consecutive game due to a lower-body injury, raising concerns about his availability in the postseason. Teammate Andrei Svechnikov left the last match early, though coach Rod Brind'Amour indicated the injury isn't serious. Meanwhile, Hurricanes' William Carrier is on the mend, having skated in a no-contact jersey for two days.

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk has recently resumed skating, but uncertainty remains regarding his readiness. The New Jersey Devils are also monitoring Dougie Hamilton's progress, as he recovers from knee surgery, with expectations that he may be back by the second round. In New York, Rangers forward Matt Rempe participated in the morning skate after an upper-body injury, while David Kampf and Jake McCabe exited their previous game with injuries. The Pittsburgh Penguins are dealing with Evgeni Malkin, who is traveling with the team but has missed the last three games due to an upper-body injury.