NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: April 22, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

NHL Playoff Twists & Tensions

The Eastern Conference action saw the Tampa Bay Lightning rally from a late third-period deficit on home ice to secure a 3-2 overtime victory against the Montreal Canadiens, successfully knotting their first-round series at one game apiece and ending a four-game home playoff losing streak. Across the bracket, the Boston Bruins responded to a Game 1 stumbles by playing "to our identity," netting four goals through the first 41 minutes while netminder Jeremy Swayman stopped 34 shots in a decisive 4-2 win over their opponent. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins face pressure after dropping the first two contests, prompting captain Sidney Crosby to state that the "urgency is heightened" as they prepare to return home facing the prospect of an 0-2 hole.

On-Ice Drama & Incidents

An unusual incident occurred during Game 2 between the Colorado Avalanche & Los Angeles Kings when interim Kings coach D.J. Smith was struck by falling shattered glass after a pane behind the bench broke mid-play. This startling event provided a brief, chaotic interlude in a series where the Kings are seeking traction against their rivals in the Western Conference bracket.