NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: May 4, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Stanley Cup Playoff Second Round Picture

The NHL postseason is rapidly narrowing, with only nine teams remaining in the chase for the 2026 Stanley Cup as several series approach decisive moments Bracket, schedule, scores. Wednesday's slate included action that saw teams attempting to gain separation, as previewed earlier in the week preview of Wednesday's three games, though the evening was reportedly filled with overtime contests. The focus now shifts heavily toward Sunday, where at least one matchup is guaranteed to require a Game 7 to determine the victor Game 7 set for Sunday, while other series look to close out their assignments.

Conference Showdowns & Key Matchups

The second round is shaping up with distinct clashes in both conferences, setting the stage for high-stakes hockey over the coming days. In the West, the Colorado Avalanche are slated to take on the Minnesota Wild, a matchup previewed by analysts focusing on the odds and predictions for the divisional rivals overview of the Western Conference matchup. Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference features the Carolina Hurricanes facing the Philadelphia Flyers, another pairing where experts are analyzing the outlook for the upcoming series Hurricanes to face Flyers in second round. The Flyers were reportedly not "mentally prepared" for their Game 1 contest, according to comments from Coach Tocchet Flyers not 'mentally prepared' for Game 1, suggesting an immediate uphill battle for Philadelphia in that series.

Series Victories and Player News

Recent results confirmed advancement for several clubs, with the Vegas Golden Knights managing to eliminate the Utah Mammoth in their first-round contest Marner's 2-goal night helps Vegas eliminate Utah. This victory for Vegas was part of a broader trend that saw the Buffalo Sabres secure a playoff series win for the first time since 2007 Sabres win playoff series for 1st time since 2007. On the injury front, the Edmonton Oilers' first-round exit was complicated by the revelation that superstar Connor McDavid was plagued by a foot fracture during the loss, casting a shadow over their early departure. Furthermore, the league saw disciplinary action as Boston's Charlie McAvoy was offered an in-person hearing for a slash, indicating potential suspension trouble ahead.

Contract News & Offseason Outlook

While the current playoff battles consume attention, the league machinery continues moving toward the offseason, with teams already making moves to secure key talent. The St. Louis Blues committed long-term to a forward, signing Holloway to a 5-year, $38.75M contract, locking in salary structure for the next half-decade. For the clubs that have already seen their seasons end, analysis is turning toward the future, exploring necessary changes for the 2026-27 campaign Free agency and draft plans for every eliminated NHL team. Separately, reports confirmed that the Hurricanes are expecting the return of forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare to get Ehlers back in time for Game 1, a boost for Carolina as they head into their second-round series.

Betting Markets and Player Props

With critical playoff games scheduled for Sunday sportsbooks are heavily promoting wagering opportunities, including significant sign-up bonuses. Draft Kings is offering $100 in bonus bets instantly following a minimum $5 wager across both NHL and NBA action slated for Sunday. For those looking to place wagers on the remaining playoff contests, expert analysis is available, with specific attention paid to player performance metrics, such as the Minnesota Wild's left wing Kirill Kaprizov among best player prop bets for Sunday. Friday's betting slate also featured projections for other major sports, with the Sports Line Projection Model weighing in on the Golden Knights-Mammoth matchup, even though that specific first-round series has since concluded.