Hockey

Hurricanes Coach Optimistic About Ehlers and Nikishin for Round 2 Playoffs

by
Richard Hayes
April 28, 2026

Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour is expressing optimism regarding the potential return of winger Nikolaj Ehlers and defenseman Alexander Nikishin for the upcoming Round 2 of the NHL playoffs. With the first-round sweep of the Ottawa Senators now in the books, the extra time off could prove beneficial for both players as they recover from their respective injuries.

The Hurricanes, who secured their spot in the second round after a decisive victory on Saturday, saw Ehlers sidelined as a late scratch due to a lower-body injury. Nikishin, on the other hand, exited the game in the second period following a concerning hit from Tyler Kleven, which left him struggling to regain his footing on the ice.

As the first team to advance to the next round, Carolina now awaits the winner of the Philadelphia-Pittsburgh series. The Flyers initially dominated the matchup, winning the first three games, but the Penguins have fought back to extend the series to a crucial Game 6 on Wednesday.

Neither Ehlers nor Nikishin participated in Tuesday’s practice, but Brind’Amour emphasized that there is no urgency to rush their return. He noted, “everything’s trending in the right direction” concerning Nikishin’s recovery.

In Ehlers’ absence during Game 4, veteran forward William Carrier stepped up to fill his role on the third line, while Nicolas Deslauriers made his playoff debut since 2022, taking Carrier’s spot in a game that featured multiple scrums and heightened tensions.

On the defensive front, veteran Mike Reilly has been a steady presence for the Hurricanes, having played 42 regular-season games while helping the team navigate the absence of top defenseman Jaccob Slavin for a significant portion of the season. Additionally, Carolina has called up defenseman prospect Charles Alexis Legault from the American Hockey League. Legault, a 22-year-old fifth-round draft pick from the 2023 draft, will add depth to the roster as the team prepares for the challenges ahead.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

Richard Hayes

Richard Hayes is the go-to writer for all things soccer at 21Sports.com. His international perspective and in-depth knowledge of the game have made him a trusted voice in the industry. Richard’s experience covering major leagues around the world allows him to offer unique insights that resonate with both casual fans and die-hard enthusiasts. When not covering matches, Richard enjoys coaching youth soccer in his community.