The Carolina Hurricanes, having swept the Ottawa Senators in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, are looking forward to the potential return of winger Nikolaj Ehlers and defenseman Alexander Nikishin for Round 2. Coach Rod Brind'Amour expressed optimism, stating that both players are recovering from injuries, with Ehlers missing the last game due to a lower-body issue and Nikishin exiting with a concussion after a hard hit. The Hurricanes were the first team to advance to the second round and will face the winner of the ongoing series between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins, which is currently tied at 3-2 in favor of the Flyers. In their absence, veteran forward William Carrier filled in for Ehlers on the third line, while Nicolas Deslauriers saw his first playoff action since 2022. Additionally, the team has called up defenseman prospect Charles-Alexis Legault from the American Hockey League to bolster their lineup.