Which teams have been swept in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs first round?

The Carolina Hurricanes swept the Ottawa Senators 4-0 in the Eastern Conference, showcasing their depth and defensive prowess. The Colorado Avalanche also completed a 4-0 sweep over the Los Angeles Kings in the West, advancing early with strong goaltending from Alexandar Georgiev. These sweeps highlight the dominance of top seeds against wild cards and lower seeds, setting them up rested for the second round.

What is the status of the Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins series?

Buffalo leads 3-1 after a dominant 6-1 win in Game 4. The Sabres took Game 1 4-3 at home, lost Game 2 4-2, won Game 3 3-1 on the road, and blew out Boston in Game 4. Game 5 is scheduled for April 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET in Buffalo, where the Sabres could close out the series and advance for just the second time since 2007.

How has the Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning series progressed?

The series is tied 2-2, living up to the rivalry's hype with close games. Montreal won Game 1 4-3 in OT on the road and Game 3 3-2 at home, while Tampa took Game 2 3-2 and Game 4 3-1. Game 5 returns to Tampa on April 29, potentially leading to a best-of-three finish, with Montreal's penalty kill playing a crucial role.

What are the key upcoming Game 5s in the first round?

Pivotal Game 5s include Philadelphia at Pittsburgh (7:00 p.m. ET April 27), Utah vs Vegas (9:30 p.m. ET April 27), Dallas vs Minnesota (8:00 p.m. ET April 28), and Edmonton vs Anaheim (10:00 p.m. ET April 28). These games could dramatically shift the bracket, with teams like the Flyers and Ducks leading 3-1. Outcomes will determine second-round matchups against rested sweep winners like Carolina and Colorado.

Why have wild cards performed well in the 2026 playoffs first round?

Wild cards have won 60% of series games, signaling parity across the league. Teams like Buffalo (A1 wild card? Wait, WC1), Utah (WC1), and others have shown grit with upsets over top seeds. Factors include offensive surges, strong special teams, and exploiting opponent weaknesses like goaltending struggles in Boston or defensive lapses in Edmonton.

Who will Carolina face in the second round?

The Hurricanes, after sweeping Ottawa, will face the winner of the Buffalo Sabres vs Boston Bruins series. This matchup pits Carolina's rested depth against either Buffalo's offensive firepower or Boston's veteran defense. Expect a high-intensity series regardless, with Carolina favored due to their clinical first-round performance.

2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round: Schedule, Results & Key Matchups | NHL Updates

The 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs first round has been a rollercoaster of high-stakes hockey, featuring dominant sweeps, stunning upsets and nail-biting series tied late. With several matchups reaching critical Game 5s on April 27 and 28, fans are on the edge of their seats as top seeds falter and wild cards shine.[1] For the latest schedule and results, check out our detailed roundup here.

Two series have already concluded with sweeps, while others hang in the balance. Buffalo’s surge against Boston, Philadelphia’s edge over Pittsburgh and Anaheim’s upset of Edmonton highlight the unpredictability. Tonight’s slate includes pivotal games that could shift the bracket dramatically.

Eastern conference series

The East has seen its share of drama, with Carolina’s flawless run standing out amid closer battles. The Hurricanes dispatched Ottawa in four games, a result that has sparked offseason questions for the Senators.[2]

Boston Bruins (WC1) vs Buffalo Sabres (A1)

Buffalo holds a commanding 3-1 lead after a 6-1 rout in Game 4 at Boston. The Sabres stole Game 1 4-3 at home, but Boston evened it with a 4-2 win in Game 2. Buffalo reclaimed momentum in Game 3 with a 3-1 victory on the road, setting up their blowout in Game 4.

This series showcases Buffalo’s offensive firepower against Boston’s veteran defense. Game 5 looms tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. ET in Buffalo, where the Sabres could close it out and advance to the second round for just the second time since 2007.[3]

Bruins goaltending has struggled, allowing 13 goals in the last two games. If Boston forces a Game 6 on May 1, expect a desperate push back home.

Montreal Canadiens (A3) vs Tampa Bay Lightning (A2)

Tied 2-2, this classic rivalry has lived up to the hype. Montreal stunned Tampa in Game 1 with a 4-3 overtime win on the road. Tampa responded in Game 2, 3-2, before Montreal took Game 3 3-2 at home. The Lightning fought back in Game 4, winning 3-1 to force Game 5.

Both teams have shown resilience, with Montreal’s young stars matching Tampa’s playoff experience. Game 5 heads back to Tampa on April 29, potentially setting up a best-of-three from there.

The Canadiens’ penalty kill has been key, neutralizing Tampa’s power play. Lightning coach Jon Cooper noted post-Game 4, “We’ve got the heart of champions; this is far from over.”

Ottawa Senators (WC2) vs Carolina Hurricanes (M1)

Carolina swept Ottawa 4-0, a clinical performance capped by a 4-0 shutout in Game 4. The Hurricanes won Game 1 2-0, Game 2 3-2 in double OT, and Game 3 2-1. Ottawa managed just three goals total in the series.

This early exit leaves the Senators reflecting on defensive lapses. For a full post-mortem on Ottawa’s sweep, see our analysis. Carolina advances to face the Buffalo-Boston winner.Complete coverage of Senators-Hurricanes series

The Hurricanes’ depth scoring overwhelmed Ottawa, with contributions from across the lines. Now rested, Carolina eyes a deep run.

Philadelphia Flyers (M3) vs Pittsburgh Penguins (M2)

Philadelphia leads 3-1 after strong road wins in Games 1 and 2 (3-2 and 3-0), followed by a 5-2 home triumph in Game 3. Pittsburgh clawed back with a 4-2 win in Game 4.

Tonight’s Game 5 at 7:00 p.m. ET in Pittsburgh is do-or-die for the Penguins. The Flyers’ upset bid continues, leveraging speed and special teams.

Philadelphia’s power play clicked at 30% in the series. A Penguins win forces Game 6 on April 29.

Western conference series

The West mirrors the East’s intensity, with Colorado’s sweep contrasting tied and leading series. Vegas-Utah and Dallas-Minnesota promise more twists.

Los Angeles Kings (WC2) vs Colorado Avalanche (C1)

Colorado swept 4-0, starting with 2-1 and 2-1 (OT) wins at home, then 4-2 and 5-1 on the road. The Avalanche’s speed dismantled LA’s structure.

This advances Colorado early, preserving energy for tougher foes. Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev posted two shutout bids.

Kings’ season ends abruptly, highlighting goaltending woes.

Minnesota Wild (C3) vs Dallas Stars (C2)

Tied 2-2 after Minnesota’s 6-1 Game 1 rout and Dallas’s 4-2 Game 2 reply. Dallas won Game 3 4-3 in double OT, but Minnesota stole Game 4 3-2 in OT.

Game 5 is April 28 at 8:00 p.m. ET in Dallas. Both teams excel in overtime, with four decided that way already.

Minnesota’s offense surges, but Dallas home ice could tip it.

Utah Mammoth (WC1) vs Vegas Golden Knights (P1)

Utah leads 2-1 after losing Game 1 4-2 in Vegas, winning Game 2 3-1 and Game 3 4-2 at home. Tonight’s Game 4 at 9:30 p.m. ET in Utah is crucial.

The Mammoth’s wild-card grit shines against the top seed. Vegas must rebound on the road.

Utah’s transition game has frustrated Vegas.

Anaheim Ducks (P3) vs Edmonton Oilers (P2)

Anaheim leads 3-1, splitting the first two (Edmonton 4-3, Anaheim 6-4), then dominating 7-4 and 4-3 (OT) at home.

Game 5 on April 28 at 10:00 p.m. ET in Edmonton tests the Ducks’ resolve. Anaheim’s depth surprises, outscoring Edmonton post-Game 1.

Oilers’ stars must deliver to extend.

As Game 5s unfold tonight and tomorrow, sweeps give Carolina and Colorado advantages, but upsets like Anaheim and Philadelphia keep the bracket wide open. Wild cards have won 60% of series games so far, signaling parity.[4] Watch for Buffalo and Utah to join the advancers, potentially setting up dream second-round clashes. The road to the Cup grows clearer—and more chaotic—by the hour.

2026 Stanley Cup playoffs first round: Schedule, results and key matchups