Rod Brind’Amour believes Hurricanes’ top line answered major question in Game 1 vs. Flyers

The Carolina Hurricanes remain undefeated so far in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs after their 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinal on Saturday evening at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Hurricanes had a week of preparation on their hands after having advanced to the second round last Saturday with a 4-2 win over the Ottawa Senators, sweeping them out of the playoffs and becoming the first team to advance.

The hottest goal scorer on the Hurricanes remained at the top of his game, as forward Logan Stankoven, acquired last March from the Dallas Stars as part of the blockbuster Mikko Rantanen deal, scored two more goals. Stankoven leads all NHL playoff goal scorers with six so far.

Additionally, Taylor Hall picked up his sixth assist of the playoffs on Jackson Blake’s first period goal, which increased Carolina’s lead to 2-0.

Following the game, Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour stated that he believed his club answered the bell right off the opening face-off after an extended period of time off between series.

“That was the big question: how we were going to come out, and obviously, that answered that question,” Brind’Amour said via X. “That line has been great, all three of those guys, every game. Not just, whatever, the last five playoff games, but it’s been months of it. Obviously, that’s been the difference.”

“We had a good start, that’s what won the game. After that, the game…there wasn’t much happening. But obviously the first period was good.”

Game 2 between the Hurricanes and Flyers will be played on Monday evening.

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