The NHL playoffs delivered edge-of-your-seat drama on May 9, 2026, with two crucial second-round games highlighting the schedule.[1] Carolina visited Philadelphia for Game 4 of their Metropolitan Division matchup, while Colorado headed to Minnesota for Game 3 in the Central Division clash. These contests carried massive implications, as both visiting teams entered as favorites according to BetMGM odds.[2]
Fans tuned in across TNT, truTV, HBO Max, and various Canadian networks, with puck drops at 6 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. ET. The outcomes shifted series dynamics significantly, underscoring the playoffs’ unpredictability. As we hit May 13, reflections on these games reveal key momentum swings.
Carolina Hurricanes complete sweep over Philadelphia Flyers
The Carolina Hurricanes entered Game 4 with a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Philadelphia Flyers. Game 1 saw Carolina shut out Philly 3-0, followed by a 3-2 overtime win in Game 2 and a 4-1 victory in Game 3. Odds heavily favored the Hurricanes at 1.53 (-190), reflecting their dominance.
Jackson Blake emerged as the hero in Game 4, scoring at 5:31 of overtime to seal a 3-2 win and complete the sweep.[3] This marked Carolina’s eighth straight playoff win dating back to the first round. The Flyers fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome Carolina’s depth and goaltending.
Blake’s second goal of the game highlighted Carolina’s resilience in tight situations. Now unbeaten at 8-0, the Hurricanes advance to the Eastern Conference finals, eager to change past fortunes.[4] Philly’s injuries proved costly, ending their surprising run.
This sweep positions Carolina as a Cup contender. Their forecheck and special teams have been relentless. Expect them to face a tough opponent next.
Minnesota Wild stun Colorado Avalanche in Game 3
In the Central Division, the Colorado Avalanche led 2-0 after a wild 9-6 Game 1 win and a 5-2 triumph in Game 2. Game 3 odds listed Colorado at 1.75 (-133), but Minnesota flipped the script with a 5-1 victory on home ice.[5]
The Wild’s offense exploded, cutting Colorado’s lead to 2-1. Kirill Kaprizov and Quinn Hughes fueled Minnesota’s attack, keeping them alive. Colorado’s high-event style backfired against Minnesota’s structure.
This win injects life into the series. Minnesota now hosts Game 4 with momentum. Colorado must regroup to close out the series.
The Avalanche’s stars like Nathan MacKinnon remain dangerous. Yet Minnesota’s depth scorers stepped up. A long series looms.
Updates from other second-round series
The Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens are locked in a tight battle. Buffalo took Game 1 4-2, but Montreal responded with a 5-1 rout in Game 2. Odds for Game 3 favored Montreal at 1.80 (-125), setting up a pivotal matchup.
Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks series stands at 2-1 Vegas after their 6-2 Game 3 win. Game 1 went to Vegas 3-1, Game 2 to Anaheim 3-1. Game 4 odds have Vegas slight favorites at 1.85 (-118).[6]
These series showcase parity across conferences. Buffalo’s resilience and Anaheim’s young guns like Jackson LaCombe add intrigue.
Vegas relies on Mitch Marner and Jack Eichel’s production. Montreal’s counterattack poses threats. Full NHL playoff bracket and schedule details ongoing action.[1]
Top playoff performers leading the charge
Mitch Marner of the Vegas Golden Knights tops the scoring charts with 13 points in 9 games, blending goals and assists masterfully. Tied for second are Minnesota’s Quinn Hughes and Kirill Kaprizov with 11 points each in 8 games, powering the Wild’s surge.[7]
Jack Eichel matches them at 11 points for Vegas. Nathan MacKinnon has 10 in just 6 games for Colorado, while Leon Draisaitl, Matt Boldy, and Anaheim trio Jackson LaCombe, Troy Terry, and Leo Carlsson also hit 10.
- Mitch Marner, Vegas Golden Knights: 13 points, 9 games
T-2. Quinn Hughes, Minnesota Wild: 11 points, 8 games
T-2. Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild: 11 points, 8 games
T-2. Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights: 11 points, 9 games
T-5. Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche: 10 points, 6 games (and others)
These leaders exemplify star power. Marner’s playmaking stands out in clutch moments. Hughes’ blue-line dominance aids Minnesota.
Boldy and Anaheim’s scorers highlight breakout potential. Updated stats evolve daily.[8] Their impact shapes series outcomes.
The May 9 games intensified the playoff race, with Carolina advancing and Minnesota gaining ground. As second round heats up, Vegas-Anaheim Game 6 looms on May 14.[6] Top seeds like the Hurricanes eye deeper runs, but underdogs fight back fiercely.
Watch for momentum shifts in Buffalo-Montreal and Vegas-Anaheim. The path to the Stanley Cup Final grows clearer, promising more thrills ahead.
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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.