Sunday, April 26 brings a packed slate of NHL first-round playoff action with four pivotal game 4s on tap. Fans can look forward to high-stakes battles that could shift series momentum across both conferences. From Buffalo’s trip to Boston to Edmonton’s clash in Anaheim, these matchups promise drama under the bright lights.[1][2]
The eastern conference features tight series, while the west sees dominant performances and upset potential. Betting odds from BetMGM highlight evenly matched tilts, with several games hovering near even money. Top scorers like Taylor Hall and Matt Duchene continue to light it up, adding star power to the playoffs.[3]
April 26 game 4 schedule
The day’s action kicks off at 2 p.m. ET with Buffalo at Boston on SN, TVAS, TNT, HBO Max and truTV. The Sabres hold a 2-1 series lead after stealing game 3 on the road.[2]
Next up at 4:30 p.m. ET is Colorado at Los Angeles on SN360, SNP, SNW, TVAS2, TNT, HBO Max and truTV. The Avalanche lead 3-0 after a convincing game 3 win, putting the Kings on the brink.[4]
Tampa Bay visits Montreal at 7 p.m. ET on SNO, SNE, SNP, CBC, TVAS and ESPN. The series sits at 2-1 for the Canadiens after three overtime thrillers.
The nightcap sends Edmonton to Anaheim at 9:30 p.m. ET on SN, CBC, TVAS2 and ESPN. The Ducks lead 2-1 following a wild 7-4 game 3 victory.
All times are eastern, ensuring a full day of puck drops for playoff enthusiasts.
Eastern conference series recaps
Carolina has taken control against Ottawa, winning game 4 4-2 to lead 4-0. The Hurricanes swept the Senators with strong defense and timely scoring.[5]
Pittsburgh evened its series with Philadelphia at 2-2 via a 4-2 game 4 triumph. Game 5 odds favor the Penguins at -143 on BetMGM.[3]
Buffalo stunned Boston in game 1 and game 3, grabbing a 2-1 edge. The Bruins bounced back in game 2 but face elimination pressure at home.
Tampa Bay and Montreal have traded overtime wins, with the Canadiens up 2-1. Game 4 odds list the Lightning as slight favorites at -115.[3]
These series showcase resilience, with wild cards and metropolitan division foes pushing limits. For more on recent updates, check the NHL 2026 playoff tracker from April 24.
Western conference series updates
Colorado dominates Los Angeles 3-0, with game 4 odds heavily favoring the Avalanche at -170. The Kings’ early losses put them in must-win mode.[3]
Dallas and Minnesota split the first four games, with the Wild stealing game 4 in overtime for a 2-2 tie. Game 5 sees the Stars as -139 picks.
Vegas holds a series lead over Utah, with game 4 odds at -115 for the Golden Knights.
Edmonton trails Anaheim 1-2 after a shocking 7-4 loss in game 3. The Oilers are -139 favorites to even it up.
Central and Pacific divisions deliver chaos, mirroring the intensity seen in earlier rounds. Projections from nhlinsight’s playoff bracket preview highlight dark horses like Utah.
Leading playoff scorers
Taylor Hall of Carolina ties for the lead with 7 points in 4 games, fueling the Hurricanes’ sweep.[6]
Matt Duchene of Dallas also has 7 points in 4 games, key in their back-and-forth with Minnesota.
Jackson LaCombe (Anaheim), Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton), Jason Robertson (Dallas) and Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota) share third with 6 points each. LaCombe’s 6 in 3 games stand out for the Ducks.[7]
- T-1. Taylor Hall (CAR): 7 points, 4 games
- T-1. Matt Duchene (DAL): 7 points, 4 games
- T-3. Jackson LaCombe (ANA): 6 points, 3 games
- T-3. Leon Draisaitl (EDM): 6 points, 3 games
- T-3. Jason Robertson (DAL): 6 points, 4 games
- T-3. Kirill Kaprizov (MIN): 6 points, 4 games
These performers echo past playoff surprises, blending veterans and young guns.
Betting odds and storylines
BetMGM lists Buffalo and Boston as picks ‘em at -110 apiece for game 4. Tampa Bay (-115) edges Montreal (-105), while Colorado (-170) is the biggest favorite over LA (+140).[3]
Dallas (-139) vs Minnesota (+115) and Edmonton (-139) vs Anaheim (+115) offer value on home underdogs.
Overtime has defined several series, with three of Tampa-Montreal’s first three decided that way. Buffalo’s road grit challenges Boston’s home dominance.
As detailed in the NHL playoff bracket, advancing teams gear up for second-round possibilities.[8]
April 26 could eliminate teams and clinch series, reshaping the bracket. Watch for Hall and Duchene to extend their leads, as these games carry huge implications for the Stanley Cup chase. Stay tuned for post-game analysis and next steps in the playoffs.
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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.