The Stanley Cup Playoffs are here, and the action kicks off with a thrilling Eastern Conference Quarterfinal matchup. After an 82-game regular season grind—a marathon, as Coach Rod Brind'Amour calls it—the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators begin their sprint for the Cup today at 3 PM in Raleigh's Lenovo Center.

While countless previews have broken down the series' key matchups and strategic battles, the focus now shifts squarely to Game One. For Hurricanes fans, two immediate questions loom large as the puck is set to drop.

The first surrounds the starting goaltender. Despite the early start negating a morning skate, all signs point to Frederik Andersen guarding the Carolina net. Andersen closed the regular season with two strong starts, building crucial momentum and confidence. He has occupied the starter's crease in the team's final practices, with Pyotr Kochetkov also taking reps, signaling Andersen is the likely choice to begin this playoff journey.

After a brief hiatus following their Metropolitan Division-clinching win, the Hurricanes are rested and ready. The speculation ends now; it's time to see them back on the ice where it matters most. This opening game sets the tone for the entire series, and both teams will be looking to strike first in what promises to be a fast-paced, physical playoff battle.