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Hurricanes Hope Ehlers, Nikishin Are Ready for Round 2

Extra days before Round 2 increase Carolina's chances of getting two regulars back.

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Carolina Hurricanes left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) looks on during the warmups before the game against the Ottawa Senators in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center.

Overview

  • Coach Rod Brind’Amour said Tuesday he is hopeful Nikolaj Ehlers and Alexander Nikishin will be ready to start the next series after a practice the pair missed.
  • Alexander Nikishin remains in the NHL concussion protocol after a heavy hit by Ottawa’s Tyler Kleven in the clincher, with recovery described by the coach as trending the right way.
  • Nikolaj Ehlers was a late scratch for Game 4 with a lower‑body injury after playing all 82 regular‑season games and posting 71 points, so his return would boost Carolina’s attack.
  • Carolina reinforced its depth by keeping veteran Mike Reilly as the seventh defenseman and calling up 22‑year‑old prospect Charles Alexis Legault from the AHL.
  • The Hurricanes swept Ottawa and now await the Flyers–Penguins winner, a pause that could help Nikishin clear the step‑by‑step concussion protocol and give Ehlers time to heal.