2026 Stanley Cup playoffs second round: schedule and early results

The second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs is underway, bringing intense divisional battles across both conferences. Top seeds like the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights face tough challenges from surging underdogs. With some series already tipping off, fans are treated to high-stakes hockey featuring overtime thrillers and defensive masterclasses from the first round.[1][2]

Early action has seen the Hurricanes shut out the Flyers 3-0 in Game 1, while the Avalanche edged a wild 9-6 win over the Wild. These results set the stage for pivotal Game 2s, as teams jockey for series leads. For a full recap of how these clubs advanced, check the first-round schedule and results.

Eastern Conference

The East delivers classic rivalries with the Atlantic’s Buffalo Sabres hosting the Montreal Canadiens, while Metropolitan leaders Carolina take on gritty Philadelphia. Both series highlight goaltending battles and comeback stories from round one.

Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens

The Sabres earned their top Atlantic seed by defeating the Boston Bruins 4-2 in the first round, showcasing offensive firepower in wins like 4-3 in Game 1 and a dominant 6-1 in Game 4. Montreal, the third seed, pulled off a dramatic 4-3 series win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, clinching it 2-1 in Game 7 after an overtime triumph in Game 1 and a shutout in Game 6.[2]

This matchup pits Buffalo’s regular-season dominance against Montreal’s playoff resilience. The Sabres’ home-ice advantage at KeyBank Center could prove crucial in the early games.

Here’s the full series schedule:

• Game 1: Montreal at Buffalo — 7 p.m. ET, Wednesday, May 6
• Game 2: Montreal at Buffalo — 7 p.m. ET, Friday, May 8
• Game 3: Buffalo at Montreal — 7 p.m. ET, Sunday, May 10
• Game 4: Buffalo at Montreal — TBA, Tuesday, May 12
• * Game 5: Montreal at Buffalo — TBA, Thursday, May 14
• * Game 6: Buffalo at Montreal — TBA, Saturday, May 16
• * Game 7: Montreal at Buffalo — TBA, Monday, May 18

*If necessary

Analysts see Buffalo as favorites, but Montreal’s momentum from their Game 7 can’t be overlooked. Expect tight checking and special teams to decide early outcomes.

Carolina Hurricanes vs Philadelphia Flyers

Carolina leads 1-0 after a convincing 3-0 shutout in Game 1, leaning on their first-round sweep of Ottawa (4-0). The Flyers, who upset Pittsburgh 4-2 with an overtime Game 6 win (1-0), now face elimination pressure in Game 2 tonight at 7 p.m. ET.[1][2]

Philadelphia’s elite goaltending and young stars have fueled their run, defying expectations.Second round schedule details highlight the Flyers’ resilience.

Full schedule:

• Game 1: Carolina 3, Philadelphia 0
• Game 2: Philadelphia at Carolina — 7 p.m. ET, Monday, May 4
• Game 3: Carolina at Philadelphia — 8 p.m. ET, Thursday, May 7
• Game 4: Carolina at Philadelphia — 6 p.m. ET, Saturday, May 9
• * Game 5: Philadelphia at Carolina — TBA, Monday, May 11
• * Game 6: Carolina at Philadelphia — TBA, Wednesday, May 13
• * Game 7: Philadelphia at Carolina — TBA, Saturday, May 16

*If necessary

Carolina’s depth gives them an edge, but Philly’s desperation could spark a comeback. Watch for Hurricanes’ forecheck overwhelming the Flyers’ defense.

Western Conference

Out West, Colorado’s high-octane attack meets Minnesota’s grit, while Pacific powers Vegas and Anaheim promise goals and drama. These series feature offensive explosions from round one.

Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild

Colorado grabbed a 1-0 lead with a 9-6 thriller in Game 1, building on their sweep of Los Angeles (4-0). Minnesota advanced past Dallas 4-2, including a 6-1 Game 1 blowout and overtime heroics. Game 2 is Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET in Denver.[1]

Goaltending will be key in this clash. Check this goaltending showdown analysis for Minnesota’s Wallstedt/Gustavsson tandem versus Colorado’s Wedgewood/Blackwood duo.

Schedule:

• Game 1: Colorado 9, Minnesota 6
• Game 2: Minnesota at Colorado — 8 p.m. ET, Tuesday, May 5
• Game 3: Colorado at Minnesota — 9 p.m. ET, Saturday, May 9
• Game 4: Colorado at Minnesota — TBA, Monday, May 11
• * Game 5: Minnesota at Colorado — TBA, Wednesday, May 13
• * Game 6: Colorado at Minnesota — TBA, Friday, May 15
• * Game 7: Minnesota at Colorado — TBA, Sunday, May 17

*If necessary

The Avalanche’s speed could overwhelm, but the Wild’s structure keeps it close. High-scoring potential lingers.

Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks

Both teams roll into this undefeated in recent form: Vegas beat Utah 4-2 with a double-OT Game 5, Anaheim dispatched Edmonton 4-1. Game 1 tips off tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET in Vegas.[2]

Vegas holds home ice, but Anaheim’s upset prowess shines. Late-night Pacific starts add to the spectacle.

Series schedule:

• Game 1: Anaheim at Vegas — 9:30 p.m. ET, Monday, May 4
• Game 2: Anaheim at Vegas — 9:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, May 6
• Game 3: Vegas at Anaheim — 9:30 p.m. ET, Friday, May 8
• Game 4: Vegas at Anaheim — 9:30 p.m. ET, Sunday, May 10
• * Game 5: Anaheim at Vegas — TBA, Tuesday, May 12
• * Game 6: Vegas at Anaheim — TBA, Thursday, May 14
• * Game 7: Anaheim at Vegas — TBA, Saturday, May 16

*If necessary

Expect physical play and goaltending duels to define this Pacific showdown. For official TV listings, visit the NHL’s second-round page.[1]

As these series unfold, conference finals loom with implications for the Cup path. Upsets like Anaheim over Edmonton and Philly over Pitt show anything can happen. Keep an eye on momentum shifts—home ice matters, but heart wins playoffs. The road to the 2026 Stanley Cup just got more treacherous.