The Senators vs. Hurricanes first-round series shifts to Ottawa on Thursday night for Game 3 of the first round of the 2026 NHL Playoffs, with first puck drop set for 7:30 p.m. ET. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Ottawa is a -122 favorite on the Moneyline, and the game’s total is set at O/U 5.5 goals.

Below, I’ll provide a Senators vs. Hurricanes Game 3 prediction and pick.

Senators vs. Hurricanes Game 3 prediction, preview

This series has been fun to watch, even if there have only been seven combined goals across the first two games. This postseason, the Hurricanes and Senators rank first and second, respectively, in 5v5 high-danger chances –– the goaltending has just simply been top-notch. Linus Ullmark leads all goaltenders this postseason in goals saved above expected, with Frederik Andersen right behind him. Given how tight these games have been, the home team automatically receives an edge. Carolina has a 2-0 lead entering Game 3, but the series will shift to Ottawa, and that bodes well for the Senators, considering they went 9-1-1 on their home ice to end the regular season.

The Senators were a top-10 power play team during the regular season, but they have yet to convert a power play opportunity on seven tries this postseason. Carolina ranked 27th in total penalty minutes, too, so the power play opportunities will likely continue to be scarce, even if it’s playoff hockey. Both of these teams were great when playing 5v5, but only one team has carried into the postseason, with the Senators producing a measly 0.94 5v5 goals per 60. Andersen has been elite between the pipes thus far, but his 3.05 GAA and .874 SV% during the regular season each marked career-worsts, and it’s tough to guess which version the Hurricanes will get each night.

Senators vs. Hurricanes Game 3 pick, best bet

Best Bet: OTT Senators Moneyline (-122)

The Senators ended the regular season with a 9-1-1 home record, while averaging 4.09 goals per game. Games 1 and 2 were tight, and such games tend to favor the home team. Ottawa will get on the series board tonight in front of its home crowd.

Strong Lean: UNDER 5.5 Total Goals (+102)

The goaltending battle has been elite, and while both offenses can explode at any moment, offense tends to die out in the playoffs. Ullmark fared much better at home this season, too, sporting a 2.32 GAA and .908 SV%.