NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: April 21, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Early Upsets & Returning Stars

The opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs saw immediate drama across the league as several series provided intense, closely fought contests, with the Edmonton Oilers successfully integrating a key offensive weapon back into the lineup for their opening matchup. Star center Leon Draisaitl, sidelined since March 15 with a lower-body injury, returned for Game 1 against the Anaheim Ducks, contributing two points in a narrow 4-3 victory secured late in the third period when Kasperi Kapanen slotted home the winner with 1:54 remaining. Elsewhere in the West, the Dallas Stars immediately fell into a familiar hole, dropping Game 1 by a decisive 6-1 margin to the Minnesota Wild, continuing a worrying trend where Dallas has lost the opener in nine of their last 11 playoff series—a result that prompted the team to focus on correcting the mistakes that plagued them in the first contest before securing a series-tying 4-2 win in Game 2.

The Eastern Conference delivered equal measures of high tension and surprising rookie performances, particularly in Philadelphia where 19-year-old Porter Martone continued his exceptional start to the postseason. Martone, who became the first teenager in Flyers franchise history to score in his first two playoff games, netted the eventual game-winner with 2:37 left as Philadelphia edged the Penguins 3-2 in the opener before taking a commanding 2-0 series lead. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes required double overtime to advance past their opponent, culminating in Jordan Martinook beating Linus Ullmark at 13:53 of the second extra session after earlier having a potential game-winning goal overturned and then failing to convert on a penalty shot in the first overtime period.

The Montreal Canadiens pulled off a significant early upset against the Tampa Bay Lightning, fueled by a spectacular individual effort from their former No. 1 overall pick; 22-year-old Juraj Slafkovsky posted his first career playoff hat trick, netting the decisive power-play goal just 1:22 into overtime to secure a 4-3 victory. This result left Lightning coach Jon Cooper visibly frustrated, citing "stupidity" regarding the penalties his team committed throughout Game 1 that ultimately cost them the contest in overtime. In the West, the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche also secured a Game 1 victory, powered by Logan O'Connor, who capped off a long personal comeback by scoring his first goal in nearly a year during their win over the Kings.

Coaching Changes & Offseason Decisions Loom

In other league developments, the Vegas Golden Knights maintained their strong form under new leadership, extending their regulation-less streak since John Tortorella assumed the coaching role last month by rallying with three third-period goals on Sunday to defeat the Mammoth 4-2 in their Game 1 opener. beyond the current postseason, the future of the Washington Capitals captain remains a major topic, as team management confirmed they are prepared for whatever decision Alex Ovechkin makes regarding whether or not the 40-year-old will return for a 22nd season. Furthermore, highly touted prospect Macklin Celebrini, despite having one year remaining on his entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks, has indicated he is open to signing an extension this summer after setting a franchise record for rookie scoring.

League Context & Previews

As the first round progresses, several teams, including the Sabres following their initial special win, are already shifting focus to maintaining momentum as they turn the page to Game 2, with Tuesday's slate featuring four matchups where the Sabres, Avalanche, Knights, and Canadiens all attempt to climb to a 2-0 series lead as detailed in Tuesday's preview. For fans attempting to follow the intense parity of the modern NHL postseason, one analytical piece drew parallels between the drama of the playoffs and the theatrics of professional wrestling, suggesting that WWE traditions can help explain the intricacies of the 2026 first round matchups.