NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: April 20, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Stanley Cup Playoffs Kickoff & Key Returns

The Stanley Cup playoffs commenced with several dramatic opening-round contests, immediately setting high stakes for the contenders, though some major players are just rejoining the fray. Edmonton Oilers star center Leon Draisaitl is expected to return for Game 1 against the Anaheim Ducks after sitting out since March 15 due to a lower-body injury, providing a massive boost to the Oilers' championship aspirations. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights rallied with three third-period goals on Sunday night to defeat the Mammoth 4-2 in their opener, maintaining their impressive run under coach John Tortorella, who has guided the team to zero regulation losses since taking over last month. The early narrative also involves the Colorado Avalanche, where Logan O’Connor capped a long comeback by scoring his first goal in nearly a year to help the top-seeded Avs secure a Game 1 victory over the Kings.

First Round Upsets & Coaching Reactions

Sunday's action featured a significant upset as the Montreal Canadiens, fueled by a spectacular performance from 22-year-old Juraj Slafkovsky, edged the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 in overtime. Slafkovsky, the 2022 No. 1 pick, netted his third power-play goal just 1:22 into the extra frame, leaving Lightning coach Jon Cooper visibly frustrated, who cited penalty "stupidity" as the reason for the Game 1 overtime defeat. Eastern Conference action saw Philadelphia's 19-year-old rookie forward, Porter Martone, score the eventual winner with 2:37 remaining to help the Flyers outlast the rival Penguins 3-2 in their opening matchup. The Dallas Stars, conversely, face a familiar predicament after their 6-1 blowout loss to the Wild, marking the ninth time in their last 11 playoff series that they dropped Game 1 at the American Airlines Center.

Offseason Futures & League Personnel Moves

As the on-ice battles rage, league personnel decisions and future contract talks occupy the periphery, including the looming decision from Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin. Capitals management has confirmed readiness for whatever the 40-year-old forward decides regarding retirement after his 22nd potential NHL season. Away from the immediate pressure cooker of the playoffs, San Jose Sharks centerpiece Macklin Celebrini, who recently broke a franchise scoring record, is reportedly open to signing an extension this summer, despite having one year left on his current $2.925 million entry-level deal. Furthermore, analyses are already projecting future impacts, with ESPN releasing its ranking of the Top 50 players expected to dictate outcomes across the 16-team bracket this postseason.

Analytic Previews & Team Focus

Beyond the immediate results, the league is grappling with complex narratives, including how the structure of the Stanley Cup playoffs can be understood through the lens of professional wrestling traditions, drawing parallels between Wrestlemania and the postseason format. Teams that dropped their openers, such as the Sabres who celebrated a special win before realizing they must now turn their attention to Game 2, are quickly resetting their focus. Meanwhile, attention remains fixed on the Oilers and Ducks as they finally join the fray, alongside teams like the Stars and Senators, who must now focus on evening up their respective series deficits after falling behind 1-0 in their respective matchups.