The 2026 NHL playoffs have reached an exciting point, with several key matchups happening over the weekend. The first round featured thrilling games that shaped the upcoming playoff landscape.
NHL Stanley Cup 2026: Playoff Highlights from April 26
Key Results
- Buffalo Sabres defeated Boston Bruins, 6-1 (Sabres lead series 3-1)
- Colorado Avalanche defeated Los Angeles Kings, 5-1 (Avalanche won series 4-0)
- Tampa Bay Lightning defeated Montreal Canadiens, 3-2 (Series tied 2-2)
- Anaheim Ducks defeated Edmonton Oilers, 4-3 (Ducks lead series 3-1)
- Upcoming game: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins at 7:00 p.m. ET (Flyers lead series 3-1)
- Upcoming game: Vegas Golden Knights vs. Utah Mammoth at 9:30 p.m. ET (Mammoth lead series 2-1)
Buffalo Sabres Dominate
The Buffalo Sabres showcased a powerful performance against the Boston Bruins in Game 4. They scored four goals in the first period, taking an early 4-0 lead. Peyton Krebs and Alex Tuch were pivotal in building this early advantage. In the third period, both Tuch and Beck Malenstyn added goals, solidifying the Sabres’ dominant win.
The Bruins only managed one goal in the final minute of the game, a shorthanded effort from Sean Kuraly. Buffalo outshot Boston 35 to 21, dominating possession throughout the match. The victory places the Sabres in a commanding position in the series.
Colorado Avalanche Advance
The Colorado Avalanche claimed victory over the Los Angeles Kings, winning the series with a decisive 5-1 scoreline. Nathan MacKinnon opened the scoring in the first period, marking his first goal of the playoffs. Following a goal from Cale Makar in the second, the Avalanche scored three unanswered goals in the third period, ensuring their place in the next round.
Tampa Bay Lightning Stave Off Canadiens
In a thrilling matchup, the Tampa Bay Lightning came back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Montreal Canadiens. After goals from Zachary Bolduc and Cole Caufield had put Montreal in control, Jake Guentzel sparked the Lightning’s comeback with a goal. Brandon Hagel ultimately scored twice in the third period, sealing the victory and equalizing the series as it heads back to Tampa for Game 5.
Anaheim Ducks Earn Overtime Victory
The Anaheim Ducks triumphed over the Edmonton Oilers in an overtime thriller. Initially, the Oilers took a 2-0 lead, but the Ducks came back to tie the game at 3-3. Ryan Poehling secured the win for Anaheim in overtime, putting the Ducks just one victory away from advancing past the first round for the first time since 2017.
The NHL playoffs continue to promise exhilarating action, with each game intensifying the competition for the Stanley Cup.
