Eastern conference final: hurricanes vs canadiens
The series opened with a high-scoring affair that saw montreal claim a decisive victory. In game 1 the canadiens defeated carolina by a 6-2 margin, showcasing offensive firepower and strong special teams play. The hurricanes responded in game 2 with a 3-2 overtime win, evening the series and demonstrating their resilience on the road.
Game 3 shifts to the bell centre in montreal, where the canadiens will enjoy the support of their passionate home crowd. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. eastern time on monday, may 25, with coverage on tnt, trutv, hbo max, sportsnet, cbc and tvas. The betting odds from betmgm list carolina as a slight favorite at 1.72, while montreal sits at 2.15.
Carolina enters as the top seed from the metropolitan division, bringing a balanced attack and stout defense. Montreal, the atlantic division’s third seed, has relied on speed and opportunistic scoring to stay competitive. The goaltending battle promises to be a focal point, with both netminders having shown flashes of brilliance early in the postseason.
Analysts expect adjustments in forechecking and neutral zone play as the series progresses. Special teams efficiency will likely determine the outcome, given how penalties have already influenced the first two games. Depth scoring beyond the top lines could prove decisive if the contest remains tight.
The hurricanes must find ways to limit montreal’s transition game while capitalizing on their own power-play opportunities. For the canadiens, maintaining discipline and capitalizing on home-ice advantages remain priorities. Both clubs have shown they can win in different environments, setting up an intriguing continuation.
Western conference final: avalanche vs golden knights
Vegas has taken control of the series with three straight victories, including a dramatic comeback in game 3. Trailing 3-0 after the first period on sunday, the golden knights scored four unanswered goals before adding an empty-netter for a 5-3 win. The victory extended their lead to 3-0 and left colorado searching for answers despite the return of star defenseman cale makar.
Makar logged a team-high 27 minutes and 14 seconds of ice time along with three shots in his return to the lineup. At the other end of the ice, vegas forward mitch marner continued his dominant playoff run with two more assists, pushing his league-leading total to 21 points in 15 games.
Game 4 is scheduled for tuesday in colorado, where the avalanche will look to avoid elimination. The betting odds from betmgm give colorado a slight edge at 1.85 while vegas sits at 1.98. The golden knights have shown they can overcome deficits and close out games effectively.
Colorado’s presidents’ trophy-winning regular season has not translated seamlessly into this series. The team will need stronger starts and better puck management to climb back into contention. Vegas, meanwhile, has leaned on its experience and timely scoring to build the lead.
Leading playoff scorers
Several players have stood out across the postseason with impressive point totals. Here are the top performers heading into the may 25 slate:
- Mitch marner, vegas golden knights: 21 points in 15 games
- Jack eichel, vegas golden knights: 18 points in 15 games
- Nick suzuki, montreal canadiens: 16 points in 16 games
- Nathan mackinnon, colorado avalanche: 15 points in 12 games
- Kirill kaprizov, minnesota wild: 15 points in 11 games
- Quinn hughes, minnesota wild: 15 points in 11 games
- Tage thompson, buffalo sabres: 15 points in 13 games
These numbers highlight the impact of star players from teams still alive in the playoffs as well as those eliminated earlier. Marner’s production in particular has been a driving force for vegas.
Looking ahead in the 2026 nhl playoffs
Monday’s game in montreal represents a pivotal moment for both eastern conference finalists. A win for the canadiens would give them a 2-1 series lead and valuable home momentum heading into game 4. A carolina victory would restore their advantage and put pressure back on montreal.
In the west, colorado faces a must-win situation to extend the series. Vegas has the opportunity to close out the avalanche and advance to the stanley cup final. The combination of veteran leadership and emerging stars across both series ensures continued excitement as the postseason moves forward.
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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.