NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: April 21, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Stanley Cup Playoff Openers & Key Returns

The Edmonton Oilers secured a tight 4-3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks in Game 1 of their first-round matchup, fueled by the return of star center Leon Draisaitl, who had been sidelined since March 15 with a lower-body injury and registered two points in the win; Kasperi Kapanen supplied the decisive goal with just 1:54 remaining in the third period. Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, the Carolina Hurricanes needed double overtime to *outlast the Bruins, with Jordan Martinook scoring the winner at 13:53 of the second extra session after a potential regulation goal had been overturned and Martinook himself was denied on a penalty shot earlier in overtime. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers took a commanding 2-0 series lead after 19-year-old Porter Martone *continued his impressive start, becoming the first teenager in franchise history to score in each of his first two career playoff games.

Series Adjustments & Offseason Decisions

The Dallas Stars successfully corrected early-series mistakes to earn a 4-2 victory over the Wild, tying their series by capitalizing on issues that plagued them at the start of the postseason. While the Buffalo Sabres celebrated their Game 1 success, coaching staff emphasized the need to immediately turn the page* and focus entirely on the Game 2 matchup. In administrative news, the Washington Capitals front office confirmed they are prepared for veteran captain Alex Ovechkin's decision regarding his potential 22nd NHL season, as the 40-year-old contemplates retirement following the conclusion of the current campaign.**