NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: April 24, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

NHL Playoff Shocks & Series Shifts

The Eastern Conference first round saw immediate pressure applied to established contenders. The Pittsburgh Penguins face a steep climb after dropping the first two games, prompting captain Sidney Crosby to state that "the urgency is heightened" as they head home facing an 0-2 hole against the Flyers. Conversely, the Tampa Bay Lightning staved off an 0-2 deficit by rallying 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 that series. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins established control in their matchup, responding from a Game 1 lapse by exploding for four goals in the first 41 minutes of Game, with goaltender Jeremy Swayman stopping 34 shots in their decisive 4-2 win.

Western Conference & Off-Ice Developments

The Western Conference saw both injury concerns and bizarre in-game incidents. The Dallas Stars managed to tie their series 1-1 with the Minnesota Wild despite traveling without top-line center Roope Hintz, who remained in Texas due to injury. In a highly unusual event during the Colorado-Los Angeles matchup, Kings interim coach D.J. Smith was struck by falling glass after a panel shattered behind the bench during Game 2 action. Away from the ice, newly appointed Devils General Manager Sunny Mehta emphasized process over specifics during his introductory press conference Tuesday, insisting that trusting the established organizational structure will ultimately lead to building a title contender in New Jersey.