NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: April 24, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

NHL PLAYOFFS: SERIES TIGHTEN & URGENCY RISES

The early portion of the first round saw several teams force immediate adjustments as series dynamics shifted dramatically following Game 2 matchups. In the East, the Tampa Bay Lightning rallied late to secure a 3-2 overtime win against Montreal, erasing a late deficit at home ice to knot their series at 1-1 and successfully end a four-game home playoff losing streak. Conversely, the Pittsburgh Penguins face mounting pressure after dropping the first two games at home, prompting captain Sidney Crosby to state that the "urgency is heightened" as they prepare to head on the road. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins asserted their identity in their pivotal Game 2 victory, netting four goals within the first 41 minutes and relying on 34 saves from Jeremy Swayman to counter their Game 1 collapse.

Western Conference action featured both physical drama and lineup concerns as teams jockeyed for position. The Dallas Stars traveled to Minnesota with their series tied 1-1, but without injured top-line center Roope Hintz, who remained in Texas while his teammates headed north. In a bizarre incident during the Colorado-Los Angeles matchup, Kings interim coach D.J. Smith was struck by shattered glass after a pane broke behind the bench during Game 2 of their series.

FRONT OFFICE & MANAGEMENT SHIFTS

Away from the ice action, the New Jersey Devils began establishing their long-term vision, as new General Manager Sunny Mehta emphasized the necessity of adhering strictly to the process when developing the team into a legitimate title contender, refraining from detailing immediate roster moves during his introductory press availability.