RALEIGH, N.C. -- Nikolaj Ehlers and Alexander Nikishin could be available for the Carolina Hurricanes at the start of the Eastern Conference Second Round. “I’m hopeful that both guys will be ready by the looks of it,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said after neither practiced Tuesday.

The Eastern Conference’s top seed closed out a first-round sweep of Ottawa.

Key Hurricanes Ehlers and Nikishin are battling injuries, but coach Brind'Amour is optimistic for their potential return as Carolina awaits their second-round opponent.

Speaking to the media after practice, Rod Brind'Amour was optimistic when asked about each player's status, noting that he's "hopeful that both guys will be ready (for Round 2), by the looks of it." Specific to Nikishin,

Hurricanes face a significant offensive void as their star winger is sidelined, potentially impacting power play and even-strength dynamics.

Carolina and Philadelphia will meet in the Stanly Cup Playoffs for the first time when their second-round series begins at Lenovo Center.

Nikolaj Ehlers adapted to Hurricanes' tight-checking system and set career highs in assists and points.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia(AP) — Nikolaj Ehlers sealed his seventh career hat trick with an empty-net goal and the Carolina Hurricanes held off the Vancouver Canucks for a 6-4 victory on Wednesday night. Sean Walker, Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho ...

In a season defined by defying the odds, a series against the Hurricanes poses arguably the toughest challenge yet for the upstart Flyers.

Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour is hopeful that winger Nikolaj Ehlers and defenseman Alexander Nikishin will be ready for Round 2 of the NHL playoffs with extra time off to recover from injuries.