The 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs first round delivered a mix of dominant sweeps, gritty comebacks and one nail-biting series headed to a decisive Game 7. Fans witnessed upsets like the Philadelphia Flyers toppling the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Anaheim Ducks stunning the Edmonton Oilers. Meanwhile, powerhouses such as the Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes asserted their dominance with shutouts and shutouts.[1]
Several series went the distance, keeping tension high through overtime thrillers and late heroics. The Buffalo Sabres edged out the Boston Bruins in six games, while the Vegas Golden Knights overcame the Utah Mammoth. As the round wraps up, all eyes turn to the Eastern Conference’s lone remaining matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning.[2]
This first round showcased the NHL’s parity, with wild-card teams pushing top seeds and underdogs rising. For full schedules and highlights, check the official NHL playoffs bracket.[3]
Eastern conference
The Eastern Conference first round featured three decided series and one epic battle still unfolding. The Buffalo Sabres dispatched the Boston Bruins 4-2, a result that highlighted Buffalo’s home-ice strength and timely scoring.[1]
In the Atlantic Division, Buffalo took Game 1 with a 4-3 win, but Boston responded in Game 2. The Sabres then dominated on the road, winning Games 3, 4 and 6 convincingly. Alex Tuch’s road performances were pivotal, echoing Buffalo’s first series win since 2007.[4]
- Game 1: Boston 3 at Buffalo 4
- Game 2: Boston 4 at Buffalo 2
- Game 3: Buffalo 3 at Boston 1
- Game 4: Buffalo 6 at Boston 1
- Game 5: Boston 2 at Buffalo 1
- Game 6: Buffalo 4 at Boston 1
The Carolina Hurricanes swept the Ottawa Senators 4-0, a clinical performance from the top seed. Ottawa struggled offensively, managing just three goals across the series.
Game 1 set the tone with a 2-0 shutout, followed by a double-overtime thriller in Game 2. Carolina closed it out with road wins in Games 3 and 4. For complete coverage of the Senators-Hurricanes series, visit NHL.com.
The Philadelphia Flyers upset the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2, stealing the series with a Game 6 overtime winner. Philly’s road prowess shone in Games 1, 2 and 3.
This victory marks a resurgence for the Flyers, who leaned on balanced scoring and goaltending. Pittsburgh fought back in Games 4 and 5 but fell short in the clincher.
The Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning series stands at 3-3, with Game 7 set for May 3 at 6 p.m. ET in Tampa. Montreal stole Game 1 in OT, but Tampa responded forcefully.[5]
- Game 1: Montreal 4 at Tampa Bay 3 (OT)
- Game 2: Montreal 2 at Tampa Bay 3
- Game 3: Tampa Bay 2 at Montreal 3
- Game 4: Tampa Bay 3 at Montreal 1
- Game 5: Montreal 3 at Tampa Bay 2
- Game 6: Tampa Bay 1 at Montreal 0 (OT)
Tampa’s Game 6 OT goal forced the decider, setting up high stakes. As our first-round recap notes, this matchup has defined the drama.
Western conference
Western Conference action produced two sweeps and competitive six-game series. The Colorado Avalanche swept the Los Angeles Kings 4-0, showcasing their speed and depth from the start.[6]
Games 1 and 2 were tight, with OT in Game 2, but Colorado pulled away in Los Angeles. This efficient win positions the Avs strongly for round two.
The Minnesota Wild outlasted the Dallas Stars 4-2, rallying after splitting the first two games. Quinn Hughes’ two goals in Game 6 sealed the series.[7]
- Game 1: Minnesota 6 at Dallas 1
- Game 2: Minnesota 2 at Dallas 4
- Game 3: Dallas 4 at Minnesota 3 (2OT)
- Game 4: Dallas 2 at Minnesota 3 (OT)
- Game 5: Minnesota 4 at Dallas 2
- Game 6: Dallas 2 at Minnesota 5
Vegas Golden Knights defeated Utah Mammoth 4-2, surviving OT in Game 4 and a double-OT heartbreaker in Game 5. Utah pushed hard at home in Game 3.
The Anaheim Ducks pulled off a 4-1 series win over Edmonton Oilers, despite dropping Game 5. Massive wins in Games 3 and 6 highlighted their offensive firepower.
Jackson LaCombe emerged as Ducks MVP, per first-round superlatives.[8] Edmonton’s late push fell short.
These results reflect underdog energy, with wild cards like Boston, Utah and LA falling but fighting valiantly. Our NHL first-round superlatives break down standouts like Taylor Hall for Carolina.
Key takeaways and second-round outlook
Sweeps by Carolina and Colorado signal contenders, while upsets like Anaheim’s propel dark horses. Game 7 in Montreal-Tampa could shift narratives—winner faces Buffalo or Philly/Carolina winner.[9]
This round’s closeness rivals historical postseasons, with multiple OTs and low-scoring gems.[10] Expect intensified rivalries in the conference finals.
As second-round schedules emerge, teams like Vegas and Minnesota gear up. The path to the Cup grows narrower—what surprises await? Stay tuned for updates.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.