NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: April 23, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

NHL Playoff Series Tighten & Early Upsets

The early rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs saw several teams battle back from opening defeats, while others seized immediate command. In the Eastern Conference, the Tampa Bay Lightning rallied late in the third period of Game 2 to secure a 3-2 overtime victory against the Canadiens, successfully ending a four-game home playoff losing skid and knotting their series at one game apiece. Elsewhere in the East, the Boston Bruins found their form in Game, netting four goals within the first 41 minutes and relying on 34 saves from Jeremy Swayman to earn a decisive 4-2 win, demonstrating they "played to our identity" after dropping Game. However, the Philadelphia Flyers seized a 2-0 series lead over the Penguins, with 19-year-old Porter Martone becoming the first teenager in franchise history to score in his first two playoff appearances, prompting veteran Sidney Crosby to state that the "urgency is heightened" for Pittsburgh heading into the next contest.

Western Conference Showdowns & Injury Concerns

Western Conference action delivered high drama, including a bizarre incident where Kings interim coach D.J. Smith was struck by shattering glass after a pane broke behind the bench during Game 2 against Colorado. On the ice, the Dallas Stars managed to even their series at 1-1 against the Wild, learning from Game 1 miscues to secure a 4-2 victory in their second matchup. Despite the critical tying win, Dallas remains concerned as top-line center Roope Hintz remained sidelined in Texas due to injury as the team traveled to Minnesota. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers took Game 1 of their series, winning 4-3 over the Ducks thanks to a late third-period goal from Kasperi Kapanen, with star center Leon Draisaitl returning from a lower-body injury to register two points in the opener.

Overtime Thrills & Front Office Moves

The Carolina Hurricanes delivered one of the weekend’s most dramatic finishes when Jordan Martinook secured the victory in double overtime against the opponent, overcoming a penalty shot miss in the first overtime period after a potential game-winning goal had been overturned on review. While playoff action dominated the ice, front office strategy also took shape, as newly appointed New Jersey Devils General Manager Sunny Mehta emphasized commitment to process while declining to divulge immediate plans for constructing a title contender. Separately, the Washington Capitals are preparing for the off-season decision of captain Alex Ovechkin, with team management confirming they are ready for whatever choice the 40-year-old makes regarding his potential 22nd NHL season. The Buffalo Sabres, fresh off a series win, are focused on maintaining momentum as they prepare to "turn the page" for Game 2.