Hurricanes Clinch Playoff Spot with Dominant First Period · Apr. 2, 2026
Carolina stormed out of the gate with three first-period goals to clinch their eighth straight playoff berth under Rod Brind'Amour, cruising to a 5-1 win over Columbus. Logan Stankoven scored twice inside the first nine minutes, and Alexander Nikishin added a shorthanded goal to make it 3-0 before Columbus had registered a shot. The Hurricanes held the Blue Jackets to just 10 shots on the night, matching a franchise record low.
Apr 3, 2026
Source: NHL