NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: April 24, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

NHL Playoff Shocks & Series Shifts

The Eastern Conference first round saw immediate volatility as the Tampa Bay Lightning forced a split in their series with Montreal, rallying for a crucial 3-2 overtime victory in Game 2 to erase a late deficit at home, simultaneously ending a four-game home playoff losing streak. Elsewhere in the East, the Boston Bruins reasserted control following a Game 1 stumble, using four goals through the first 41 minutes and 34 saves from netminder Jeremy Swayman to secure a decisive 4-2 win and play "to their identity." Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins face mounting pressure after dropping the first two games, prompting captain Sidney Crosby to state plainly that "the urgency is heightened" for the club as the series shifts out of their home rink.

Western Conference Action & Off-Ice Developments

In the West, the Dallas Stars traveled to Minnesota trailing 1-1 in their quarterfinal matchup, though they did so without injured top-line center Roope Hintz, who remained sidelined in Texas. On the bench during Game 2 between Colorado and Los Angeles, Kings interim coach D.J. Smith experienced a bizarre interruption when a pane of protective glass shattered, showering the bench area with shards. Off the ice, new New Jersey Devils GM Sunny Mehta outlined his mandate to management, stressing the importance of adherence to the established organizational process rather than revealing immediate personnel moves aimed at building a championship contender.