NHL Hockey 3 Days

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

NHL Eastern Conference Playoff Drama

The urgency level rose for the Pittsburgh Penguins as captain Sidney Crosby acknowledged the heightened pressure following the Philadelphia Flyers taking a commanding 2-0 series lead. Across the conference, the Tampa Bay Lightning averted a potential 0-2 deficit at home, executing a dramatic comeback to secure a 3-2 overtime win against the Montreal Canadiens in Game, successfully ending a four-game home playoff losing streak and knotting their series. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins rebounded effectively after relinquishing a two-goal advantage in Game, defeating their opponent 4-2 in Game 2 after scoring four times in the first 41 minutes, with netminder Jeremy Swayman stopping 34 shots to help the team play to their identity.

Western Conference Incidents & Matchups

While action on the ice shifted focus in the West, an unusual incident occurred during Game 2 between the Colorado Avalanche and the Los Angeles Kings, where Kings interim coach D.J. Smith was struck by falling shattered glass when a pane behind the bench broke during play. This physical distraction occurred as teams across the league jockeyed for position, with the Eastern Conference series seeing both the Lightning and the Bruins respond forcefully to early setbacks to even their respective series at one game apiece, 3.