NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: April 23, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

NHL Playoff Battles Intensify

The Eastern Conference first round saw contrasting fortunes as several series shifted momentum over the last 48 hours. The Tampa Bay Lightning rallied late in the third period to secure a 3-2 overtime victory against the Canadiens in Game, successfully ending a four-game home playoff losing streak and knotting their series at 1-1. In contrast, the Philadelphia Flyers extended their lead, with 19-year-old Porter Martone becoming the first teenager in franchise history to score in his first two playoff contests, propelling the Flyers to a 2-0 series advantage over the Penguins, prompting Sidney Crosby to state that the urgency is heightened for Pittsburgh heading home. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins asserted themselves in their matchup, putting four goals up in the first 41 minutes of Game, as goaltender Jeremy Swayman turned away 34 shots en route to a decisive 4-2 win.

In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars demonstrated resilience, learning from earlier miscues to post a 4-2 victory over the Wild, tying their quarterfinal series at 1-1. Despite this crucial win, Dallas still faces adversity as injured top-line center Roope Hintz remained in Texas and did not travel with the team for the next leg in Minnesota. Elsewhere, the Carolina Hurricanes advanced their series lead after a marathon contest where Jordan Martinook scored in the second overtime after his first-period penalty shot attempt was denied and a potential winning goal was overturned earlier in the extra sessions. The Edmonton Oilers kicked off their series successfully, with Leon Draisaitl contributing two points in his return to action as Kasperi Kapanen netted the eventual winner, securing a tight 4-3 victory in Game 1 over the Ducks.

League Management & Off-Ice Developments

On the administrative front, newly appointed Devils General Manager Sunny Mehta addressed the media, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to a meticulous long-term process as the organization aims to construct a championship roster, declining to offer immediate specifics on personnel changes. Amid the playoff intensity, an unusual incident occurred during the Colorado-Los Angeles second game, where Kings interim coach D.J. Smith was briefly showered by shattered protective glass after a pane behind the bench fractured during play. Separately, the Washington Capitals organization confirmed that management is prepared for any outcome regarding the playing status of Captain Alex Ovechkin, whose decision on whether to return for a potential 22nd season will determine roster plans.