The NHL playoffs second round delivered excitement on May 11 with Colorado Avalanche securing a 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild in Game 4, taking a 3-1 series lead.[1][2] This high-stakes matchup at Minnesota highlighted the Avalanche’s offensive firepower, pushing the series toward a potential closeout. Meanwhile, other series remain tightly contested, with ties and leads shifting rapidly.
As of May 13, the playoffs are guaranteed to extend past Thursday, featuring critical games like Buffalo Sabres versus Montreal Canadiens in Game 5 and Vegas Golden Knights hosting Anaheim Ducks in Game 6. Fans can check the latest odds on BetMGM for upcoming action.[3]
Colorado Avalanche seize control against Minnesota Wild
The Avalanche entered Game 4 on May 11 needing a response after dropping Game 3, and they delivered convincingly. Colorado’s 5-2 win showcased their depth, with multiple contributors stepping up in a hostile road environment.[1]
Prior to the game, odds favored Colorado at 1.75 (-135), reflecting confidence in their star-studded lineup. Minnesota fought back early but couldn’t match the Avalanche’s speed and power play efficiency. This result puts Colorado one win away from advancing.
The series recap now stands:
- Game 1: Minnesota 6, Colorado 9
- Game 2: Minnesota 2, Colorado 5
- Game 3: Colorado 1, Minnesota 5
- Game 4: Colorado 5, Minnesota 2 (Colorado leads 3-1)
Game 5 shifts to Colorado on May 13, where the Wild face elimination. Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov has been a standout, but the Avalanche’s momentum is undeniable. Expect a desperate push from the home underdogs.
Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens locked in battle
The Atlantic Division clash between Buffalo (A1) and Montreal (A3) sees the Canadiens holding a 2-1 edge after a dominant Game 3. Montreal’s 6-2 rout flipped the script following Buffalo’s Game 1 win.
Game 4 odds listed Buffalo as slight underdogs at +115, with Montreal favored at -140. The series has featured high drama, blending strong goaltending and timely scoring.
Current standings:
- Game 1: Montreal 2, Buffalo 4
- Game 2: Montreal 5, Buffalo 1
- Game 3: Buffalo 2, Montreal 6 (Montreal leads 2-1)
Game 5 looms large, potentially extending the series deep. Buffalo’s home ice could prove pivotal, but Montreal’s offensive surge keeps them in the driver’s seat. This matchup embodies the unpredictability of playoff hockey.
Carolina Hurricanes complete sweep over Philadelphia Flyers
Carolina made short work of Philadelphia, winning Game 4 in overtime to claim a 4-0 series victory. The Hurricanes’ defensive structure and clutch scoring overwhelmed the Flyers throughout.
From a shutout in Game 1 to overtime heroics in Game 4 (3-2), Carolina never looked back. Taylor Hall’s 12 points have been crucial in this run.
Philadelphia mounted challenges but fell short each time. Carolina advances to the conference finals, rested and confident. Their path now clears for a deeper playoff run.
Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks series tied
The Pacific showdown is even at 2-2 after Anaheim’s Game 4 upset (4-3 over Vegas). Vegas bounced back in Game 3 with a 6-2 thrashing, but the Ducks evened it up.
Game 5 odds favor Vegas at -150, with Anaheim as +125 underdogs. Stars like Mitch Marner (16 points) and Jack Eichel (13 points) lead Vegas.
Series breakdown:
- Game 1: Anaheim 1, Vegas 3
- Game 2: Anaheim 3, Vegas 1
- Game 3: Vegas 6, Anaheim 2
- Game 4: Vegas 3, Anaheim 4 (tied 2-2)
Game 5 heads to Vegas, where home crowd energy could tip the scales. This series promises more twists.
Top playoff performers driving the action
Mitch Marner of the Vegas Golden Knights tops the scoring charts with 16 points in 10 games, blending goals and assists masterfully. Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota Wild) follows at 14 points in 9 games, a threat every shift.
Quinn Hughes and Jack Eichel share third with 13 points each, while Taylor Hall’s 12 points fueled Carolina’s sweep. These leaders exemplify the skill elevating the second round.[3]
Standings:
- Mitch Marner, Vegas Golden Knights: 16 points, 10 games
- Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild: 14 points, 9 games
- Quinn Hughes, Minnesota Wild: 13 points, 9 games (tied)
- Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights: 13 points, 10 games (tied)
- Taylor Hall, Carolina Hurricanes: 12 points, 8 games
Post-Game 4 updates may shift these slightly, but the top tier remains dominant. For full stats, visit the NHL playoffs page.[4]
Looking ahead to key matchups
With Carolina advancing and Colorado on the brink, the focus turns to Game 5s across the board. Minnesota hosts elimination pressure, while Buffalo and Vegas aim to protect home ice. Full schedules are available on NHL.com.
These playoffs highlight resilience and star power, setting up potential conference final clashes between juggernauts. Stay tuned as underdogs fight back and favorites push forward—what series will deliver the next thriller?
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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.