Brady Tkachuk, Jordan Staal fight in opening seconds of Stanley Cup playoffs

RALEIGH, N.C. — Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk and Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal did not waste time getting things started in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. The players fought each other off the opening draw to kick off Game 1 of their first-round playoff series, just three seconds in. WHAT A WAY TO START THE #STANLEYCUP PLAYOFFS 😱 pic.twitter.com/mPZjyEqudo — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 18, 2026After the puck dropped, Staal immediately shed his gloves and confronted Tkachuk near center ice. The men grappled for a few moments before sitting for five-minute majors.Advertisement