Pavel Dorofeyev’s overtime goal propelled the Vegas Golden Knights to a 3-2 series lead over the Anaheim Ducks in their Pacific Division matchup. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres fought back to tie their Atlantic series against the Montreal Canadiens at 2-2 with a narrow 3-2 victory in Game 4. These results keep the second round wide open, with no series wrapping up before Saturday’s potential Game 6 between Buffalo and Montreal. Tonight’s action features a pivotal Game 5 between the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche.
Fans are buzzing about the tight contests, as underdogs like Buffalo continue to challenge top seeds. Odds from BetMGM highlight the competitiveness in upcoming games. With leading scorers from Vegas dominating the points race, expect more drama as the playoffs push toward conference finals.
Today’s NHL playoffs schedule
The marquee matchup on Wednesday, May 13, is Game 5 of the Central Division series between the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche at 8 p.m. ET. Broadcast options include TNT, truTV, HBO Max, SN, CBC, and TVAS, ensuring wide accessibility for fans across North America.
This game carries massive weight, with Colorado holding a 3-1 edge after strong wins in Games 2 and 4. Minnesota stole Game 1 in a wild 6-9 shootout but needs a road victory to extend the series.
No other games are slated for today, allowing focus on this clash. Check the full NHL schedule for potential updates on start times or additional announcements.
Weather in Denver could play a factor, though arenas are indoors—still, travel logistics matter in playoffs. Viewers should tune in early for pregame analysis on key matchups like Nathan MacKinnon against Kirill Kaprizov.
BetMGM lists Colorado as heavy favorites at 1.48 (-210), with Minnesota at 2.70 (+170), reflecting the Avalanche’s home dominance.
Second-round series standings
Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens
The Sabres and Canadiens are deadlocked at 2-2 after a thrilling Game 4 win for Buffalo. Here’s the series breakdown:
- Game 1: Montreal 2, Buffalo 4
- Game 2: Montreal 5, Buffalo 1
- Game 3: Buffalo 2, Montreal 6
- Game 4: Buffalo 3, Montreal 2
Game 5 odds favor Montreal slightly at 2.00 (+100) over Buffalo at 1.83 (-120). This series echoes classic Original Six-style battles, with Buffalo’s resilience shining through.
Montreal’s power play has been key, but Buffalo’s home crowd could swing momentum. Expect a defensive grind in Game 5.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Carolina has asserted dominance, leading 4-0:
- Game 1: Philadelphia 0, Carolina 3
- Game 2: Philadelphia 2, Carolina 3 (OT)
- Game 3: Carolina 4, Philadelphia 1
- Game 4: Carolina 3, Philadelphia 2 (OT)
The Hurricanes’ overtime heroics in Games 2 and 4 highlight their clutch play. Taylor Hall leads Carolina with 12 points.
Philly fights elimination, but Carolina eyes a sweep. This mirrors Carolina’s strong regular-season form.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild
Colorado leads 3-1:
- Game 1: Minnesota 6, Colorado 9
- Game 2: Minnesota 2, Colorado 5
- Game 3: Colorado 1, Minnesota 5
- Game 4: Colorado 5, Minnesota 2
Tonight’s Game 5 is do-or-die for Minnesota. Quinn Hughes and Kaprizov have 14 points each, fueling the Wild’s offense.
Colorado’s depth, led by MacKinnon’s 12 points, has been overwhelming. A win tonight sends them to the conference finals.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks
Vegas holds a 3-2 advantage after Dorofeyev’s OT winner in Game 5:
- Game 1: Anaheim 1, Vegas 3
- Game 2: Anaheim 3, Vegas 1
- Game 3: Vegas 6, Anaheim 2
- Game 4: Vegas 3, Anaheim 4
- Game 5: Anaheim 2, Vegas 3 (OT)
Vegas stars Marner (16 points) and Eichel (15) dominate. Anaheim’s Gauthier (12 points) keeps them alive.
Top playoff scorers
The points race underscores Vegas’ strength:
- Mitch Marner, Vegas Golden Knights: 16 points (11 games)
- Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights: 15 points (11 games) T-3. Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild: 14 points (10 games) T-3. Quinn Hughes, Minnesota Wild: 14 points (10 games) T-5. Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche: 12 points (8 games) T-5. Taylor Hall, Carolina Hurricanes: 12 points (8 games) T-5. Cutter Gauthier, Anaheim Ducks: 12 points (11 games)
These leaders have defined their teams’ successes. Marner’s trade to Vegas has paid dividends in playoffs.
Watch for breakouts; under-the-radar players often surge deeper in postseason.
Stats highlight balanced attacks, with Vegas holding two top-two spots.
Looking ahead in the playoffs
With no series ending before Saturday, tension builds. Colorado could close out Minnesota tonight, while Vegas eyes a conference finals berth.
Buffalo-Montreal Game 5 on Thursday keeps the East alive. Injuries and fatigue will test rosters.
Fans should monitor odds shifts post-tonight’s result. The path to the Stanley Cup remains unpredictable, rewarding resilient teams like Vegas and Buffalo.
Subscribe to NHL updates for every twist in this exhilarating second round.
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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.