NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: May 5, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Second Round Previews & Results

The second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs is taking shape following several decisive Game 7 victories, though some major contenders have already seen their seasons conclude, with the Lightning and Oilers being noted as first-round disappointments. In the Eastern Conference, the Buffalo Sabres secured their first playoff series win since 2007, setting up a second-round clash against the Montreal Canadiens. Meanwhile, the Western Conference features the Vegas Golden Knights hosting the Anaheim Ducks in their matchup, while the Colorado Avalanche prepare to face the Minnesota Wild in a highly anticipated West pairing.

Several key matchups are set for Game 2 action, with models heavily favoring the higher seeds. The Sports Line Projection Model suggests expecting another Colorado victory over the Wild in Game, though it predicts the total goals scored will be far fewer than the previous high-scoring affair. Concurrently, the model also reveals its picks for the Flyers-Hurricanes series, offering best bets for Game 2 in Carolina. Analysts are also weighing in on player performance, with Taylor Hall of the Hurricanes listed among the best bets for Monday's slate of playoff games.

to the Conference Finals, predictions for the current second-round series aim to forecast which four teams will advance, with predictions available for every series. The proceedings leading up to the post-season have also featured unexpected exits, with teams like the Pistons, Cavs, and 76ers surviving their Game 7 battles. In off-season planning, eliminated teams are already looking toward their next steps, with extensive analysis provided regarding free agency and draft strategies for every non-contending club.

Draft Lottery & Off-Season Moves

As the playoff battles rage, attention is turning toward the top of the incoming talent pool, with the NHL Draft lottery scheduled for Tuesday night in New Jersey. The presumed top prospect available is Penn State star forward Gavin McKenna, considered the big prize for the team that wins the lottery drawing. Player contract news is also surfacing, as the St. Louis Blues signed forward Holloway to a five-year, $38.75M contract shortly after their elimination.

Player News & Injury Updates

Several top players are dealing with significant issues impacting their playoff runs or immediate futures. The Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid was hampered by a foot fracture during his team's first-round exit. Separately, the Boston Bruins' Charlie McAvoy is facing an in-person hearing for a slash infraction, potentially leading to disciplinary action. On a positive note for Carolina, the Hurricanes are expecting to have forward Elias Ehlers available for their Game 1 second-round contest.

Betting Odds & Analyst Insights

Sports Line analysts are providing detailed wagering guidance across the remaining playoff matchups. Following Sunday's action, which included betting opportunities on the Lightning facing the Canadiens, Monday's slate offered prop bets, with Kirill Kaprizov of the Wild highlighted for Sunday's best player props. One surprising result that concluded a series saw Mitch Marner's two-goal performance help the Golden Knights eliminate the Utah team. Meanwhile, early analysis for the Ducks vs. Golden Knights Game 1 contest suggested Vegas should protect home ice to secure the first win of their series.

Non-NHL Sports Notes

Outside of hockey, significant action occurred across other major sports leagues. In basketball, the Knicks' Jalen Brunson delivered a record-setting performance in a rout over the 76ers, while the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame a 12-block effort from Victor Wembanyama thanks to a surprise return by Anthony Edwards. On the baseball diamond, Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers is facing the prospect of surgery. Furthermore, the horse racing world witnessed a historic rally as Golden Tempo took the Kentucky Derby while golfers Cameron Young and Nelly Korda were noted for their dominant performances elsewhere.