Watch Ottawa Senators vs Carolina Hurricanes Game 3 on TBS and HBO Max: Liam McHugh Hosts with Alex Faust, Jennifer Botterill and Wayne Gretzky

Match date: 23 April 2026

Watch Ottawa Senators vs Carolina Hurricanes Game 3 on TBS and HBO Max: Liam McHugh Hosts with Alex Faust, Jennifer Botterill and Wayne Gretzky

American hockey fans can catch the thrilling Carolina Hurricanes at Ottawa Senators Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs first round on TBS and streaming via HBO Max, with puck drop at 12:30 AM ET on 24 April 2026 from the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. Canadian viewers have options on TSN and Sportsnet for the world feed, while the Carolina Hurricanes enter with a commanding 2-0 series lead after shutout victories in Games 1 and 2, featuring standout performances from Logan Stankoven.[2][7][8]

Leading the broadcast is presenter Liam McHugh, a seasoned TNT Sports host known for his engaging style during NHL coverage, having anchored numerous playoff specials. Calling the play-by-play is main commentator Alex Faust, the dynamic voice of the Los Angeles Kings and a rising star in national NHL broadcasts, praised for his energetic delivery that captures every fast-break rush. Joining him in the booth are co-commentators Jennifer Botterill, a three-time Olympic gold medallist with the Canadian women's team and a veteran analyst whose insights on player matchups are invaluable, and Colby Armstrong, the former Pittsburgh Penguin turned colourful pundit famous for his no-holds-barred takes on player grit and team dynamics.[1][2]

The pre-game and intermission studio buzzes with star power, featuring pundits Paul Bissonnette, the ex-Phoenix Coyote enforcer now beloved for his hilarious social media presence and razor-sharp analysis on TNT; Anson Carter, a 15-year NHL veteran who scored over 200 goals and brings smooth breakdowns of offensive schemes; Wayne Gretzky, The Great One himself with four Stanley Cups and an unmatched 2,857 career points, offering timeless wisdom on playoff pressure; and Henrik Lundqvist, the Hall of Fame goaltender with 459 wins who retired after a storied Rangers career, excelling in goalie evaluations and defensive strategies. This all-star panel promises heated debates on whether the Senators can claw back from the deficit against Carolina's stingy defence.[2][5]

The Carolina Hurricanes (53-22-7 regular season) dominated the Metropolitan Division and now lead 2-0, thanks to power-play prowess from Stankoven in Game 2 and solid goaltending that blanked Ottawa in Game 1. Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators (44-27-11), Atlantic Division contenders, showed fight with Brady Tkachuk's five hits in the opener but must solve Carolina's forecheck in Game 3 at home. Highlights from prior games include double-overtime drama and key equalisers, setting up a pivotal matchup where the Canes are slight underdogs at +102 odds on the road.[1][2][5][7][8]

For US audiences, TBS and HBO Max (subscription required, geo-restricted) deliver the high-definition feed with comprehensive stats and replays, perfect for late-night playoff action. Canadians tune into TSN or Sportsnet for local flavour, while international fans seek the NHL world feed. This series echoes Carolina's playoff pedigree, having reached the Eastern Conference Final recently, against Ottawa's young core hungry for a breakthrough.

Don't miss Wayne Gretzky's takes on Tkachuk's leadership or Lundqvist's netminder breakdowns—tune in at 00:30 UK time. For more on the Stanley Cup Playoffs bracket, visit NHL.com's official series page. With the Hurricanes pushing for a sweep and Senators desperate for a win, expect edge-of-your-seat hockey from two Eastern powerhouses.[2][6][7]

As the playoffs heat up, this Game 3 could swing the series momentum. The broadcast team's blend of experience and charisma—from Faust's calls to Gretzky's genius—ensures every moment is amplified. Whether you're in the US streaming on HBO Max, watching TBS, or catching Canadian coverage, this is must-see NHL action on 24 April 2026.

Article generated: 24 April 2026, 00:30 GMT