NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: April 24, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

NHL Playoff Action & Series Shifts

The Eastern Conference first round saw the Tampa Bay Lightning rally past the Canadiens with a 3-2 overtime victory in Game, successfully ending a four-game home playoff losing streak and knotting their series at one game apiece. Conversely, the Pittsburgh Penguins face mounting pressure after dropping the first two contests against the Flyers, prompting captain Sidney Crosby to state that "the urgency is heightened" as the series shifts. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins secured a crucial Game 2 win by pouring in four goals through the first 41 minutes, with netminder Jeremy Swayman stopping 34 shots in their 4-2 triumph after forfeiting a two-goal lead in the opener. Elsewhere in the West, the Dallas Stars managed without injured center Roope Hintz, keeping their series against the Wild tied 1-1 after he remained in Texas while the team traveled to Minnesota.

Coaching Incidents & Front Office Strategy

Off-ice developments included a bizarre incident during the Avalanche-Kings matchup where Los Angeles interim coach D.J. Smith was struck by shattered safety glass after a pane broke behind the bench during Game 2 action. Looking toward future team construction, the newly appointed New Jersey Devils GM Sunny Mehta addressed the media, emphasizing the importance of adhering strictly to the established process rather than revealing immediate personnel plans as he works toward building a championship contender.