NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: April 23, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

NHL Playoff Series Tighten & Early Upsets

The opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs saw several series shift momentum dramatically over the last 72 hours, with teams battling back from deficits or establishing early leads. In the Eastern Conference, the Tampa Bay Lightning rallied late in Game, scoring an overtime winner to defeat the Canadiens 3-2 and erase their home playoff losing streak, knotting their quarterfinal series at 1-1. Conversely, the Philadelphia Flyers extended their surprising run, securing a 2-0 series advantage over the Penguins as 19-year-old Porter Martone became the first teenager in franchise history to score in his first two playoff contests; following the setback, Sidney Crosby admitted the urgency is heightened in Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins responded to a Game 1 collapse by storming out to a 4-1 lead in Game, with Jeremy Swayman stopping 34 shots in a decisive 4-2 victory to level their own series.

Western Conference Battles & Injury Updates

Action in the West featured both pivotal returns and significant absences as teams sought control. The Edmonton Oilers enjoyed a successful opener after star center Leon Draisaitl returned from a lower-body injury on Monday, contributing two points in a narrow 4-3 Game 1 win over the Ducks, sealed by a late goal from Kasperi Kapanen to secure the opening night victory. In a different divisional clash, the Dallas Stars managed to tie their series with Minnesota at 1-1 by correcting Game 1 miscues for a 4-2 victory, though their preparation for the road trip to Minnesota was complicated by the absence of top-line center Roope Hintz, who remained in Texas due to injury. Adding some bizarre sideline drama, Colorado’s Game 2 victory over Los Angeles was marred when Kings interim coach D.J. Smith was struck by shattered plexiglass after a panel broke behind the bench during play.

Overtime Drama & Offseason Speculation

The intensity extended into marathon sessions, showcasing razor-thin margins across the league. The Carolina Hurricanes advanced in their matchup after Jordan Martinook finally converted in the second overtime, an effort that came after he was denied on a penalty shot in the first extra session following an overturned goal. Elsewhere, teams not yet engaged in postseason action are navigating personnel decisions and administrative shifts. The Washington Capitals are prepared for the decision regarding captain Alex Ovechkin, whose potential retirement after 22 seasons looms large over the franchise's immediate direction. Transitioning to management, newly appointed Devils GM Sunny Mehta stressed adherence to the process for building a title contender, avoiding specific personnel timelines during his introductory remarks Tuesday. Even the league's structure is being analyzed, with some observers drawing parallels between the wrestling traditions of WWE and the dramatic narratives unfolding in the NHL's first round.