NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: April 22, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

NHL Eastern Conference Playoff Action Heats Up

The first round delivered immediate drama, highlighted by the Montreal Canadiens edging Tampa Bay 4-3 in overtime on Sunday, fueled by a first career playoff hat trick from 22-year-old Juraj Slafkovsky, the 2022 No. 1 overall pick. The Lightning responded Tuesday night, overcoming a late third-period deficit at home to secure a crucial 3-2 overtime victory, thereby knotting their series at one game apiece and snapping a four-game home playoff losing streak. Coach Jon Cooper had previously attributed the Game 1 loss to "stupidity" regarding costly penalties committed by his squad in the Sunday overtime defeat. Elsewhere in the East, the Carolina Hurricanes needed two overtimes to defeat Boston, with Jordan Martinook ultimately scoring the winner after having a potential game-deciding goal overturned earlier in the extra sessions.

The Boston Bruins demonstrated their identity in their Game 2 triumph, surging ahead with four goals through the first 41 minutes after surrendering a two-goal lead in Game 1 on Sunday, supported by 34 saves from netminder Jeremy Swayman. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers took a commanding 2-0 series lead after 19-year-old Porter Martone scored in his second consecutive playoff start, becoming the first teenager in franchise history to achieve that feat. In unexpected drama, Los Angeles Kings interim coach D.J. Smith was struck by shattered glass when a panel broke behind the bench during Game 2 against Colorado on Tuesday night.

Western Conference Showdowns & Personnel News

In the West, the Dallas Stars tied their series with Minnesota at 1-1 Monday night, correcting the mistakes that hampered them in their opening loss to secure a 4-2 victory. However, the Stars traveled to Minnesota still without injured top-line center Roope Hintz, who remained in Texas while the team sought to gain an advantage on the road. The Colorado Avalanche secured a Game 1 victory on Sunday, capped by Logan O’Connor scoring for the first time in nearly a year to aid the top seed's win.

The Edmonton Oilers opened their series with a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Monday, propelled by Kasperi Kapanen netting the eventual winner late in the third period. Crucially, the Oilers saw the return of star center Leon Draisaitl, who had been sidelined since March 15 due to a lower-body injury, contributing two points in his Game 1 appearance after his extended absence. In coaching news, newly appointed Devils General Manager Sunny Mehta vowed to adhere to the established process while building a championship roster, though he offered no immediate details on strategic direction during his Tuesday comments.

League-Wide Context & Future Outlook

As the first round progressed, attention also turned toward executive decisions and player futures; Washington Capitals management confirmed they are prepared for Alex Ovechkin's decision regarding whether the 40-year-old captain will return for a 22nd NHL campaign. In other league news, the Vegas Golden Knights maintained their strong form under new coach John Tortorella, rallying with three third-period goals Sunday night to claim a 4-2 Game 1 victory over the Mammoth. The league's postseason traditions are drawing comparisons, with one analysis equating the structure of the 2026 playoffs to the presentation style of WWE's Wrestlemania. Furthermore, rankings for the top 50 players set to dominate the 2026 playoffs were released as the 16-team field vies for the Stanley Cup.