In a thrilling regular-season finale, the Ottawa Senators triumphed over the Carolina Hurricanes with a score of 7-5, showcasing both teams' readiness for the playoffs. Ottawa started strong, quickly securing a 3-0 lead before Carolina rallied back to take a 5-3 advantage. Key players included Brady Tkachuk, who returned from injury, and standout performances by Adam Gaudette and Drake Batherson, who both contributed significantly to the scoring. The frenzied pace highlighted the Senators' potential heading into their playoff matchup against the Maple Leafs.

Despite a spirited comeback from the Hurricanes, which included noteworthy contributions from Andrei Svechnikov and Jack Roslovic, the Senators regained control late in the game. Tim Stutzle sealed the win with a late power-play goal, demonstrating the Senators' depth and resilience. As both teams look to the postseason, this matchup served as a fitting prelude to the challenges ahead in their respective playoff journeys.