3 Takeaways From Hurricanes’ 3-2 Win Over the Flyers to Complete Sweep

The Carolina Hurricanes are a certified wagon. For the second time in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, they swept a best-of-seven series. After defeating the Ottawa Senators in Round 1, the Hurricanes defeated the Philadelphia Flyers, 3-2, to punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Final for the third time in four seasons.

Hurricanes Make History

Not only did the Hurricanes sweep the Flyers, but they also became the first team in NHL history to sweep back-to-back series to begin a postseason. When the NHL Playoffs became a four-round best-of-seven in 1987, no team accomplished going 8-0 until the Hurricanes did. Furthermore, the Hurricanes became the fourth team in playoff history to allow two or fewer goals to begin the postseason. They joined the 1928 Montreal Maroons, 1952 Detroit Red Wings, and 1969 St. Louis Blues.

The Hurricanes are off to the best start in franchise history in the playoffs, and they are showing no signs of slowing down. While there have been some amazing teams in the Rod Brind’Amour era, the 2025-26 Hurricanes could be the best with all of the pieces falling into place. Between the goaltending, 5-on-5 play, the penalty kill, health, scoring, and depth, this is probably the most complete Hurricanes team since 2006.

Second Line Dominates, Again

After tallying another seven points in Game 4, the second line for the Hurricanes now has 31 points in eight playoff games. Jackson Blake had two goals in Game 4, including the game-winning goal in overtime to send the Hurricanes to the Eastern Conference Final. He also became the youngest player in franchise history, since relocation, to score a series-clinching goal. His two goals and an assist put him at 11 points in eight games (four goals and seven assists). On top of that, he had seven points in Round 2 alone against the Flyers.

Taylor Hall added three assists in the win on Saturday night to give him nine in eight games. He also has three goals, giving him 12 points to lead the Hurricanes in the playoffs. Ever since joining Blake and Logan Stankoven, he’s been playing like his 2018 MVP self. Hall has been playing some great hockey since joining the Hurricanes in the 2024-25 season, and this season, he continues to get better. It’s remarkable how he leads the Hurricanes in points on one of the hottest lines in the playoffs.

Stankoven added another goal in Game 4 to continue his scoring run in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. His seventh leads the entire postseason. His seven goals lead the Hurricanes and are third on the team in points (eight) through eight games. Despite seeing his point streak snap in Game 3, Stankoven has been playing at another level and could be considered for the Conn Smythe Trophy.

Overall, the Hurricanes’ second line has been playing otherworldly hockey and is leading the way as the team is heading to a third Eastern Conference Final in four seasons.

Eastern Conference Final Bound for Third Time in Four Seasons

Not only are the Hurricanes heading to their third Eastern Conference Final, but it’s also a back-to-back appearance for Brind’Amour’s side. As of now, this is the healthiest and deepest Hurricanes team in the last eight seasons. In the 2025 Playoffs, the Hurricanes had no Sean Walker and Jalen Chatfield in the conference final. In 2023, they did not have Jesper Fast, Andrei Svechnikov, and Brett Pesce.

However, the 2026 team is healthy, as far as we know, and looks poised to get over the hump. They will be waiting a while before they know their next opponent. The earliest we would know is Thursday, May 14, but it could be longer. The Hurricanes already had to wait a week between Rounds 1 and 2. If they can stay rested and win Game 1 of Round 2, they could do it again for Round 3.

All in all, the Hurricanes are rolling and making history as they’re off to the Eastern Conference Final. Now, they will wait for the winner of the Buffalo Sabres and the Montreal Canadiens. That series is currently 1-1, with it shifting over to Montreal. For now, the Hurricanes can rest up and practice as they wait for their next opponent. They deserve a break after sweeping two series in a row and are now 8-0 to begin the playoffs.