NHL first-round superlatives

The first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs delivered drama, upsets and unforgettable moments across the NHL. Underdogs rose to the occasion while favorites stumbled, setting the stage for intense second-round matchups. From stunning comebacks to dominant defensive shutdowns, the opening series showcased the depth and unpredictability of postseason hockey.

1 2

Standout performers emerged amid the chaos, earning recognition in key categories like MVP, most disappointing player, unsung hero and best game. These superlatives highlight individual brilliance and heartbreak that defined the round. As teams lick their wounds or celebrate advances, let’s break down the highlights.

MVP: Jackson LaCombe of the Anaheim Ducks

Jackson LaCombe emerged as the undisputed MVP of the first round, powering the Anaheim Ducks to a stunning six-game upset over the Edmonton Oilers. As heavy underdogs against back-to-back Stanley Cup finalists led by Connor McDavid, the Ducks relied heavily on their top defenseman. LaCombe not only drew the tough assignment of shadowing McDavid but led Anaheim in scoring with nine points, trailing only Leon Draisaitl league-wide in playoff production.

3

Averaging a playoff-high 27 minutes of ice time under coach Joel Quenneville, LaCombe posted a point in five of six games and finished with a plus-six rating. His two-way dominance was pivotal in games like the 5-2 Game 6 clincher, where Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry sealed the win.

4 LaCombe’s emergence validates his steady rise, including his spot on the 2026 U.S. Olympic team.

5

Honorable mentions go to players who nearly stole the spotlight:

• Brandon Hagel (Tampa Bay Lightning)
• Matt Boldy (Minnesota Wild)
• Frederik Andersen (Carolina Hurricanes)

LaCombe’s performance sets a tone for Anaheim’s deep run, proving young blueliners can carry teams. For more on playoff leaders, check our NHL playoffs tracker.

His poise under pressure echoes historical defensemen like Cale Makar in past postseasons. Ducks fans now dream bigger, with LaCombe leading all playoff scorers early on.

6

Most disappointing: Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk endured a nightmare first round, registering zero points in a 4-0 sweep by the Carolina Hurricanes. Averaging 21:31 of ice time, Tkachuk was rendered a non-factor despite his reputation as a gritty leader. The Senators’ snake-bitten puck luck didn’t help, but their top star’s silence amplified the frustration.

7

Rumors swirling about Tkachuk’s commitment to Ottawa only compounded the pain post-elimination. “I’m fully committed to the Senators,” he insisted, dismissing trade speculation as frustrating. Yet, his lack of production overshadowed team progress and fueled debates on roster changes.

Honorable mentions for underwhelming efforts:

• JJ Peterka (Buffalo Sabres)
• Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings)
• Thomas Harley (Dallas Stars)

Tkachuk’s struggles mirror past playoff fades by high-profile captains. Ottawa now faces tough questions heading into the offseason.

The sweep exposed deeper issues, with the Hurricanes’ depth overwhelming Sens’ top guns. Tkachuk vowed to rebound, but the zero-point line will sting.

Unsung hero: Taylor Hall of the Carolina Hurricanes

Taylor Hall flew under the radar but delivered MVP-caliber results in Carolina’s four-game sweep of Ottawa. The veteran winger tallied seven points—two goals and five assists—nearly two per game. Not a headliner like Sebastian Aho, Hall’s productivity on the second line was crucial.

Paired with Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake, Hall’s trio dominated, combining for seven goals and 16 points against the Sens. This line’s ownership of matchups propelled the Hurricanes forward seamlessly.

Honorable mentions for quiet contributors:

• Logan Stankoven (Carolina Hurricanes)
• Alex Lyon (Detroit Red Wings)
• Peyton Krebs (Vegas Golden Knights)
• Rasmus Ristolainen (Philadelphia Flyers)

Hall’s resurgence in playoffs aligns with his career arc of timely bursts. His impact underscores Carolina’s balanced attack.

For insights into first-round excitement, see our ranking of top 2026 playoff matchups.

Best game: Boston Bruins vs Buffalo Sabres, game 1

Game 1 between the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres captivated with hype and heroics, marking Buffalo’s playoffs return since 2010-11. Fans’ pre-game antics built electric atmosphere at KeyBank Center. Boston seized a 2-0 lead into the third, threatening a dour Sabres debut.

8

Momentum flipped late: Tage Thompson ignited with his first playoff goal, then another under three minutes later to tie it. Defenseman Mattias Samuelsson struck less than a minute after for the lead, sending the crowd into frenzy. Alex Tuch’s empty-netter and David Pastrnak’s late power-play goal made it 4-3 Buffalo in a thriller.

9

Honorable mentions for epic contests:

• Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning, game 1
• Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild, game 4

This comeback announced Buffalo’s resurgence. Full highlights are here on NHL.com.

8

The game’s swings embodied first-round volatility. Sabres’ rally propelled their series charge.

These moments from the first round underscore the playoffs’ magic and brutality. As survivors like the Ducks and Hurricanes advance, expect elevated stakes. LaCombe’s leadership and Hall’s grit signal contenders, while disappointments like Tkachuk fuel motivation. The chase for the Cup intensifies—what surprises await in round two?