3 Takeaways From Hurricanes’ 3-0 Shutout Game 1 Win Over Flyers – The Hockey Writers – Carolina Hurricanes

Just like Game 1 of Round 1, the Carolina Hurricanes start Round 2 with a shutout win, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 3-0. They take a 1-0 series lead and are now 5-0 to begin the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. What stood out in their second shutout victory of the postseason?

Takeaway #1: The Kids Are Alright

What else is there to say about the second line for the Hurricanes? After having 16 points in Round 1 against the Ottawa Senators, they added another five points to have 21 total in five games. Logan Stankoven, once again, gets the first goal of the game and adds another in the second period to have a two-goal night. That gives him six total in five games, which makes him the youngest player to begin a postseason with a five-game goal streak.

At 23 years and 65 days, Stankoven beats out Alexander Mogilny, who did it at 24 years and 73 days back in 1993. The crazy part about Stankoven is that his eight-year, $6 million annual contract doesn’t start until next season. What a steal for the Hurricanes to lock him up early, especially with him being on a 13-game point streak and having 12 goals over that time.

Regarding Jackson Blake, he added a goal and an assist, giving him six points in five games. Like Stankoven, his new eight-year deal doesn’t start until next season. With the players being 22 and 23 years old, they will be the next core to lead the way in Raleigh. Taylor Hall did get an assist to put him at eight points this postseason. Cannot forget the veteran on this young and fast line, who is turning in an MVP-like performance.

Takeaway #2: Frederik Andersen With Another Playoff Shutout

As if Frederik Andersen could not get any better, he did just that. He earned his seventh career playoff shutout, and second of this postseason, saving 19 of 19. Not only that, he passed Cam Ward for the most playoff wins in franchise history with his 24th. Andersen had a 1.10 goals-against average (GAA) and a .955 save percentage (SV%) in Round 1, and now he will add 0.00 and a 1.000 to those totals.

Andersen saw nine shots through the first 40 minutes of the game before seeing 10 in the third period alone as the Flyers tried to make a push. However, that did not matter as “The Great Dane” once again shut the door to go 5-0 this postseason.

He made some key saves to keep the Hurricanes out front and did get some help, too. There were some key blocks on the penalty kill (going 4-for-4) and overall stellar defensive plays from the guys in front of him. Overall, it was a dominant team performance across the board. A huge factor once again, Andersen in the crease playing lights-out hockey.

Takeaway #3: Total Team Effort

The question coming into the series was how the Hurricanes would go a week without playing playoff hockey. Right from the opening puck drop, that was answered quickly. They were perfect on the penalty kill and just gave the Flyers no opportunities to get anything going. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour’s side just neutralized the Flyers on the power play, giving them zero shots for three of the four power plays and holding them to 19 shots for 60 minutes.

The Hurricanes were slicing through the Flyers’ defense all game, putting them on the defensive. Furthermore, they smothered the visitors all game, giving them no room to do anything. With the lack of zone entries, turnovers, and the Hurricanes’ relentless speed, the Flyers seemed to have no match for the Hurricanes. While the power play still needs work, special teams were on point, and the 5-on-5 play was what everyone expected from the Hurricanes.

Overall, Game 1 showed that this Hurricanes team is built differently compared to teams of the past. They are 5-0 in the playoffs and still have not trailed for a second. The second line is still buzzing, with Stankoven leading the way. The defense has been top-notch, shutting down opponents. Plus, Andersen, with seven playoff shutouts and two this postseason alone, is another big boost.

Game 2 is on Monday at 7 p.m. Eastern, and the Hurricanes will look to keep this strong start to the playoffs going. What a start to the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs for the Hurricanes.