NHL Stanley Cup playoffs begin

The opening faceoff saw immediate fireworks as captains Brady Tkachuk and Jordan Staal dropped the gloves for a fight just seconds into the game.

The Hurricanes ultimately secured a victory over the Senators, fueled by a strong performance from goaltender Frederik Andersen.

Other highly anticipated series include the Pittsburgh Penguins facing the Philadelphia Flyers and the Montreal Canadiens taking on the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The playoffs are scheduled to run through mid-June, with fans across North America bracing for two months of intense hockey action.