Eastern Conference
Montreal Canadiens versus Buffalo Sabres
The series between the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres stands tied at three games apiece heading into the decisive seventh game. Montreal opened with a 2-4 loss on the road before bouncing back with a convincing 5-1 victory in game two.
Buffalo responded by taking game three 2-6 on the road but Montreal evened things again in game four with a 3-2 road win. The Canadiens then grabbed a 6-3 home victory in game five, only for Buffalo to force game seven with an 8-3 blowout in game six.
Game seven is set for Monday, May 18 at 7:30 pm ET in Buffalo. This matchup has produced 34 total goals so far, underscoring the offensive talent on both sides.
The winner advances to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the conference finals after Carolina swept Philadelphia.
Expectations run high as both teams prepare for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion.
Philadelphia Flyers versus Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes completed a dominant four-game sweep over the Philadelphia Flyers to advance. The series began with a 3-0 shutout victory for Carolina in game one.
Philadelphia fought hard in game two but fell 2-3 in overtime. Carolina then took game three 4-1 on the road before closing out the series with a 3-2 overtime win in game four.
The sweep highlighted Carolina’s depth and goaltending strength throughout the round. Philadelphia showed flashes of competitiveness but could not overcome the Hurricanes’ consistent pressure.
This result sets up an intriguing conference final matchup depending on the Montreal-Buffalo outcome.
Western Conference
Minnesota Wild versus Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche advanced with a 4-1 series victory over the Minnesota Wild. The series kicked off with a high-scoring 6-9 thriller won by Colorado in game one.
Colorado followed with a 2-5 road win in game two before Minnesota responded with a 1-5 home victory in game three. The Avalanche regained control with a 5-2 win in game four and sealed the series in overtime during game five, 3-4.
Colorado’s ability to respond after losses proved decisive in this hard-fought series. Minnesota battled gamely but fell short against the top-seeded Avalanche.
The result positions Colorado for a deep playoff run in the west.
Anaheim Ducks versus Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Anaheim Ducks in six games to advance. The series opened with Vegas taking game one 1-3 on home ice.
Anaheim evened it with a 3-1 road win in game two before Vegas responded with a 6-2 victory in game three. Anaheim stayed alive with a 3-4 home win in game four.
Vegas regained the lead with a 2-3 overtime road win in game five and closed the series with a 5-1 victory in game six.
The Golden Knights’ experience in tight games helped them secure the series win. Anaheim pushed the series longer than expected with strong home performances.
Vegas now looks ahead to the western conference finals with momentum on their side.
For more on how these teams reached this stage, check the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs first round schedule and results.
Additional context on series standings appears in our companion post on 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs second round schedule and current standings.
The second round has set the stage for even more compelling hockey as the playoffs move toward the conference finals.
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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.