Senators, Hurricanes Start The Stanley Cup Playoffs With Fisticuffs

The 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs started with the gloves off.

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk and Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal fought each other after the opening puck drop in Saturday's Game 1.

Both players appeared to have a quick word before the opening faceoff, and off they went in Lenovo Center in Raleigh.

They each landed punches before falling to the ice in the quick but message-sending fisticuffs.

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This story was originally published April 18, 2026 at 12:24 PM.