2026 Stanley Cup playoffs second round: Dramatic ties and sweeps

The second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs is delivering edge-of-your-seat action. With the Carolina Hurricanes completing a dominant sweep over the Philadelphia Flyers to advance to the Eastern Conference Final, attention shifts to the remaining series.[1][2] In the East, the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens are locked in a 2-2 tie after a thrilling Game 4 victory for Buffalo. Out West, both series are tight, with the Colorado Avalanche leading Minnesota 3-1 and Vegas holding a 3-2 edge on Anaheim.[1]

Fans are witnessing high-scoring affairs and clutch performances. Goaltending has been pivotal, from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s bounce-back in Buffalo to the Hurricanes’ stifling defense. As Game 5s loom, the path to the conference finals grows clearer yet more unpredictable.

Eastern conference series

The Carolina Hurricanes made short work of the Philadelphia Flyers, sweeping the series 4-0 to punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Final. Game 4 on May 10 went to overtime, where Jackson Blake scored the winner on a 3-on-2 rush at 5:31.[2] Carolina outshot Philly 32-12 from the second period on, showcasing their depth and resilience. This marks the Hurricanes’ third ECF appearance in four years, the first team to go 8-0 to start playoffs since the 1985 Oilers.

The sweep wasn’t without drama. Philly grabbed a 1-0 lead via Tyson Foerster early, but Carolina’s adjustments paid off. Their perfect first-round win over Ottawa set the tone for this dominance. Now, they await the winner of Buffalo-Montreal.

Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres-Montreal Canadiens series has been a rollercoaster. After splitting the first two games—Buffalo’s 4-2 win in Game 1 and Montreal’s 5-1 blowout in Game 2—the Canadiens took a 2-1 lead with a 6-2 victory in Game 3. Buffalo responded in Game 4 with a 3-2 win, tying the series.[1]

Zach Benson netted the game-winner for the Sabres, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen reclaimed the net and stood tall.[1] Tage Thompson and Mattias Samuelsson also contributed key goals. Montreal’s head coach called a pivotal goal an “unlucky bounce.” Game 5 heads to Buffalo on Thursday.

This matchup revives old rivalries. Both teams dispatched tough first-round foes—Buffalo over Boston 4-2, Montreal over Tampa in seven. For more on the early second-round predictions, check our NHL playoffs 2026 schedule and key matchups.

Western conference battles

Out West, the Colorado Avalanche are one win away from the conference final after taking a 3-1 series lead over the Minnesota Wild. Game 1 was a wild 9-6 Colorado victory, followed by a 5-2 win in Game 2. Minnesota stole Game 3 5-1, but Colorado rebounded 5-2 in Game 4.[1]

Kirill Kaprizov shone for Minnesota with three points in Game 3, but Colorado’s firepower has overwhelmed. Goaltender decisions loom large—Jared Bednar noted post-Game 3, “We’ll have a decision to make, but there’s a decision to make every night,” praising Mackenzie Blackwood’s relief effort.[2] Game 5 is tonight in Denver.

The Vegas Golden Knights-Anaheim Ducks series is even more tense at 3-2 Vegas. After Vegas took Games 1 and 3, Anaheim evened it with wins in 2 and 4. Vegas stole Game 5 in OT 3-2. This echoes Anaheim’s upset over Edmonton in the first round.

Vegas has leaned on their depth, while Anaheim’s resilience shines. Game 6 is Thursday in Anaheim. See our detailed 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs second round schedule and results for full breakdowns.

Key performers and stats

Standout players are defining these series:

• Zach Benson (BUF): Game-winning goal in Game 4 vs. Montreal.
• Jackson Blake (CAR): OT hero in Philly sweep.
• Kirill Kaprizov (MIN): Multi-point games keeping Wild alive.
• Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (BUF): Key saves to even series.

These stats highlight the blend of offense and goaltending. For context, check the official NHL playoffs bracket.[3]

Historical parallels abound—Carolina’s start rivals dynasties. Buffalo’s resurgence after years in the wilderness adds narrative depth.

Looking ahead to conference finals

Upcoming schedule intensifies:

1. BUF-MTL Game 5: Thu, May 14, 7 p.m. ET (TNT)
2. VGK-ANA Game 6: Thu, May 14, 9:30 p.m. ET (TNT)
3. COL-MIN Game 5: Wed, May 13, 8 p.m. ET (TNT)

Potential ECF: Carolina vs. BUF or MTL. West: COL/VGK vs. MIN/ANA. Momentum favors the Avs and Golden Knights, but playoffs reward resilience.[1]

The Hurricanes’ path looks strong, but Buffalo’s home ice could shift tides. Tampa’s fourth straight first-round exit underscores parity.[4]

As series conclude, the focus turns to ultimate prizes. These matchups promise stars aligning for a memorable Cup run—what team seizes the moment? The championship battle intensifies.