The Carolina Hurricanes downed the Ottawa Senators 2-0, to take an always convincing 1-0 edge in their first-round Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Playoff matchup. However, along with this bit of bad news, the Sens potentially lose top defensive defenceman Artem Zub to injury. Let’s expand on this.
Credit Image: © Alex Cave/ZUMA Press Wire
Canes 1 – Sens 0 – in Playoff Series, and Artem Zub Injury Update
Artem Zub has left the game. He hasn’t played since that hit on Jarvis. Knee/leg injury. pic.twitter.com/RoxlJe9x7W
— Coming In Hot (@ComingInHotSens) April 18, 2026
Zub received contact with speedy Carolina Hurricane forward Seth Jarvis. Moreover, on the play, Zub was actually initiating the contact, and it seemed like a somewhat harmless play, despite the impact of the collision. He was seen at the bench explaining the injury to the trainer. Then, he proceeded to skate across the ice, to the dressing room. It appeared to be something with his left leg. When he left early within the second period, he never did return. Sen fans knew it was likely over for the night when he didn’t return for the third period.
In terms of his exact status postgame, head coach Travis Green didn’t comment. That comes with the territory this time of year.
The Impact On the Roster Depth for the Sens Blueline
With Dennis Gilbert mostly out of rotation during Game 1, the Sens would rely heavily on their top four to power them through to the end of Game 1. In the end, it would be natural that the defencemen didn’t have the endurance to provide an attack from the backend, given that they were overtired from being overplayed.
There is some question if help will be on the way for the Sens blueline. Tyler Kleven did return to practice, and it is thought that that means he must be close. He had taken a puck to the face, and we assumed a broken jaw, perhaps. Those are about three-week injuries, so could be anytime now. His last game was April 2nd against the Buffalo Sabres.
Another Side Note, In Net
The goaltending matchup was a point of discussion as this one kicked off. The goalie with much more playoff experience got the call in Carolina. The Dane Frederik Andersen got the call over the rookie Brandon Bussi. In the end, his playoff experience might just have paid off for head coach Rod Brind’Amour and company. The 2-0 shutout was a nice way to start the series, if you are Carolina.
No update on Artem Zub from coach Green.
— Graeme Nichols (@GraemeNichols) April 18, 2026
It remains a question mark on the Sens blueline depth. Yes, they have used 13 different defencemen in 2025-26, but is there a drop-off in talent as you scale down through the depth charts? The Sens would typically rely on skill throughout their lineup to help them win games. It is what helps them win the matchup game. In any sense, the question becomes, are the Sens in trouble on the right side?
Jordan Spence is a fine top-four d-man, especially in a pinch. He skates hard, and is strong on his edges to make plays or escape danger. Nikolas Matinpalo has shown to be a fine third-pairing guy. Can he elevate this time of year? Not unlike he was commended for doing last playoff.
Our guess is Lassi Thomson is basically the next man up. But who knows, maybe Carter Yakemchuk gets his first big shot? Playoffs? It can be common for big names to first make a big name for themselves come the postseason.
Game 2 goes Monday night from the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the Eastern Daylight Time zone.
Linus Ullmark and a Recap of his 2025-26 Season with the Ottawa Senators
Main Photo Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
