NHL Hockey 8 Hours

Last updated: April 20, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

NHL Playoff Upsets & Hot Streaks

The opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs featured major upsets as the Montreal Canadiens edged the heavily favored Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 in overtime, fueled by a spectacular performance from 22-year-old Juraj Slafkovsky, who completed his first playoff hat trick with the game-winner on the power play 1:22 into the extra period. Lightning coach Jon Cooper later lamented that team penalty stupidity cost them the crucial Game 1 victory, suggesting undisciplined play proved fatal against the Canadiens' momentum. Elsewhere, the Buffalo Sabres surged past the Boston Bruins 4-3, overcoming a two-goal deficit in the final eight minutes to secure their first playoff win in 15 years. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights remained hot under new coach John Tortorella, rallying with three third-period goals to defeat the Utah Mammoth 4-2, extending their regulation unbeaten streak since his arrival last month.

Western Conference Results

The top-seeded Colorado Avalanche secured a narrow victory in their opening contest, with Logan O'Connor capping a long comeback by scoring his first goal in nearly a year to help the Avs defeat the Los Angeles Kings in Game 1 on Sunday.