NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: April 23, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

NHL Playoff Shocks & Series Shifts

The opening rounds of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs saw several compelling narratives develop over the last 72 hours, including significant upsets and dramatic overtime finishes. In the Eastern Conference, the Tampa Bay Lightning erased a deficit by securing a crucial 3-2 overtime victory against the Canadiens in Game, ending a four-game home playoff losing streak and knotting their series at 1-1. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers built on their momentum, with 19-year-old Porter Martone becoming the first teenager in franchise history to score in his first two playoff contests, helping the Flyers seize a commanding 2-0 lead over the Penguins, prompting veteran Sidney Crosby to state that the team's "urgency is heightened" following the two losses. Elsewhere, the Carolina Hurricanes needed double overtime before Jordan Martinook delivered the series-tying goal, shortly after a penalty shot attempt was overturned, ultimately defeating their opponent in a tightly contested battle.

Western Conference Battles & Stars Concerns

The Western Conference featured pivotal Game 2 performances that leveled matchups and highlighted injury woes. The Dallas Stars drew level with the Wild at one game apiece following a 4-2 victory where they corrected the errors that cost them in Game, although their success is tempered by the absence of top-line center Roope Hintz, who remained in Texas as the team traveled to Minnesota. In a separate Western series, the Edmonton Oilers successfully won their opener when Kasperi Kapanen netted the game-winner late in the third period for a 4-3 final, which was aided by the successful return of Leon Draisaitl, who posted two points in the Game 1 victory. The Colorado-Los Angeles contest saw a bizarre in-game incident where Kings interim coach D.J. Smith was struck by falling shattered glass after a pane broke behind the bench during the second game of their series.

Front Office Changes & Future Outlook

Away from the ice action, personnel moves are already shaping future expectations. New Jersey Devils General Manager Sunny Mehta, appointed earlier this week, addressed media availability by emphasizing a commitment to "sticking with the process," declining to offer specifics on immediate roster maneuvers as he aims to build a championship contender in the coming seasons. The Bruins also demonstrated their commitment to identity in their own series sweep attempt, with Jeremy Swayman stopping 34 shots in a 4-2 win that saw the team score four goals in the first 41 minutes, proving they played to their identity after letting a lead slip in Game.