NHL Hockey 3 Days

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

NHL Playoff Upsets & Series Shifts

The Eastern Conference saw immediate shifts in momentum as the Tampa Bay Lightning rallied to secure a 3-2 overtime victory against the Canadiens in Game, successfully ending a four-game home playoff losing streak and knotting their first-round series. This dramatic comeback followed a frustrating Game 1 loss where Coach Jon Cooper attributed the defeat to "penalty stupidity" committed by his squad. Out west, the Philadelphia Flyers bolstered their unexpected lead, going up 2-0 over the Penguins after 19-year-old Porter Martone became the first teenager in franchise history to score in his first two playoff contests. For Pittsburgh, captain Sidney Crosby acknowledged that after dropping the first two games, "urgency is heightened" as the team faces a must-win situation heading home.

Western Conference Battles & Injury Concerns

In the Western Conference quarterfinals, the Dallas Stars managed to even their series at 1-1 against the Minnesota Wild by correcting the early miscues that plagued them in their Game 1 loss, winning Monday night 4-2. However, the Stars are still navigating adversity without their top-line center Roope Hintz, who remained in Texas while the team traveled to Minnesota after the series tie. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers successfully opened their series with a 4-3 victory over the Ducks, aided by the return of star center Leon Draisaitl who posted two points in his first action since suffering a lower-body injury on March 15.

Overtime Thrillers & Goaltending Dominance

The intensity of the opening round was exemplified by a marathon contest where the Carolina Hurricanes edged out their opponent in double overtime after a potential winning goal was overturned earlier in the contest; Jordan Martinook ultimately sealed the victory after he had been stopped on a penalty shot in the first overtime session. In another tight affair, the Boston Bruins asserted themselves in Game, netting four goals within the first 41 minutes to secure a 4-2 win, with goaltender Jeremy Swayman stopping 34 shots after the team allowed a late two-goal lead to slip away in Game 1. Elsewhere, an unusual incident occurred during the Colorado-Los Angeles matchup when Kings interim coach D.J. Smith was momentarily struck by shattered glass after a pane broke behind the bench during the second game of their series.

Offseason Moves & Future Focus

While the current postseason plays out, off-ice management decisions are already taking shape. New New Jersey Devils GM Sunny Mehta emphasized a commitment to process and trusting the long-term plan as he begins the task of building a championship roster, declining to divulge immediate personnel strategies on Tuesday. Separately, the Washington Capitals front office confirmed they are prepared for any scenario regarding captain Alex Ovechkin, whose decision on whether to return for a 22nd NHL season is pending.

League Context & Media Coverage

The start of the Stanley Cup playoffs has coincided with other major sporting events, leading to unique comparisons; one analysis sought to explain playoff traditions by drawing parallels with WWE's Wrestlemania, which began the same weekend. Furthermore, media analysis in the lead-up to the games included ranking the top 50 players expected to have the most influence across the 16 teams competing for the Cup. In a separate development, the Vegas Golden Knights continued their strong form under new coach John Tortorella, rallying with three third-period goals to win Game 1 against the Mammoth 4-2, extending their regulation loss-free streak since the coaching change last month.