Hurricanes Host Senators in Pivotal Late-Season Matchup RALEIGH, N.C. (Interstat) — The Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators will meet Saturday at Lenovo Center in a late-season NHL clash with significant implications for the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The Hurricanes (53-29-0), firmly entrenched in the postseason field, look to continue their strong campaign and avenge a recent loss to the Senators. Carolina enters having won seven of its last 10 games, including a 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders on Tuesday. Center Mark Jankowski scored the game-winning goal in that contest and has been a key contributor, netting three goals in his last five appearances. Ottawa (44-38-0), fighting to solidify its playoff positioning, arrives riding momentum from a 3-1 win over Toronto on Wednesday. Veteran forward Claude Giroux was instrumental in that victory, notching two assists and firing six shots on goal. Giroux has been a consistent offensive catalyst, recording six points (2 goals, 4 assists) in his last 10 games, including a goal in Ottawa’s 6-3 win over these same Hurricanes on April 5. That result is part of a recent season series split. Carolina won 4-3 at home on Feb. 3, while Ottawa claimed the most recent encounter decisively. The teams are set for a frequent flurry of meetings, as this contest kicks off a stretch of six consecutive games against each other to close the regular season. The matchup pits Carolina’s superior overall record and home-ice advantage against an Ottawa team that has found a groove, going 7-3-0 in its last 10 outings. The Hurricanes’ depth and structure will be tested by an Ottawa attack led by Giroux and centerman Dylan Cozens, who scored against Toronto. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. EDT Saturday. The game will be the first of three meetings between the clubs in an eight-day span, setting the stage for an intense mini-series that will heavily influence final standings ahead of the playoffs.