The NHL playoffs heated up on May 12 with two pivotal second-round games. Buffalo Sabres edged the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in Game 4 to tie their series at 2-2.[1][2] Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights outlasted the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in overtime during Game 5, grabbing a 3-2 series lead.[3] These outcomes shift momentum heading into a crucial Game 5 between Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche today.
With the Carolina Hurricanes already advancing after sweeping the Philadelphia Flyers 4-0, three series remain in the second round. Vegas and Buffalo now hold home-ice edge for their next games, while Colorado eyes a conference finals berth.[2]
Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens
The Sabres and Canadiens entered Game 4 with Montreal holding a 2-1 series lead. Buffalo struck first through Mattias Samuelsson at 6:32 of the opening period, but Alex Newhook and Cole Caufield responded to put Montreal ahead 2-1.[1] Tage Thompson tied it in the second with a power-play goal off a bizarre bounce, and Zach Benson delivered the winner in the third on another power play.
Buffalo’s power play proved decisive, going 2-for-4 while Montreal managed just 1-for-7. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 28 shots for the victory, outdueling Jakub Dobes’ 19 saves. Benson’s goal marked a historic moment as the first Sabre to score a playoff game-winner on his 21st birthday.
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff praised his team’s composure: “We were too loose — I thought tonight we tightened things up. It looked like our team again.”[1] Zach Benson added, “We’ve talked about our power play being good in key moments, and that’s what we did.” Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis lamented special teams: “It’s hard to believe that we only got one goal on the power play.”
BetMGM lists Buffalo as slight favorites for Game 5 at -120, with Montreal at +100.[2] The series heads back to Buffalo on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET, where the Sabres will aim to seize the lead.
This back-and-forth matchup highlights both teams’ resilience, setting up a potential long series.
Carolina Hurricanes advance past Philadelphia Flyers
Carolina completed a dominant 4-0 sweep over Philadelphia in Game 4, winning 3-2 in overtime. The Hurricanes outscored the Flyers across the series, showcasing depth and goaltending from Frederik Andersen.[2]
Taylor Hall led Carolina with 12 points in eight games, proving vital in their efficient run. The sweep positions Carolina to rest while awaiting an Eastern Conference finals opponent.
This early exit for Philadelphia underscores the Hurricanes’ regular-season dominance as the top Metropolitan seed.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild
Colorado holds a commanding 3-1 series lead after Game 4’s 5-2 victory. Game 1 saw a wild 9-6 Avalanche win, followed by a 5-2 decision in Game 2. Minnesota stole Game 3 (5-1), but Colorado bounced back decisively.
Nathan MacKinnon paces Colorado with 12 points in eight games, while Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov and Quinn Hughes each have 14 points in 10 games.[2]
BetMGM favors Colorado heavily at -210 for tonight’s Game 5, with Minnesota at +170. The Avalanche can close out at home today at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.
A Colorado win would send them to the conference finals, potentially facing Vegas.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks
Vegas claimed a 3-2 overtime win in Game 5, with Pavel Dorofeyev netting the winner at 4:10 and his second goal of the night. Tomas Hertl also scored, while Anaheim’s Beckett Sennecke and Olen Zellweger replied late.[3]
Jack Eichel collected two assists, boosting his series impact. Dorofeyev reflected post-game: “I just had to get myself together and get back on the ice.”[3]
The series shifts to Anaheim for Game 6 on Thursday at 9:30 p.m. ET, even money at BetMGM (-110 both sides).[2] Vegas eyes a closeout, but the Ducks’ resilience keeps it alive.
Mitch Marner leads Vegas with 16 points in 11 games, alongside Eichel’s 15.
Leading playoff scorers
The top performers continue to shine amid tight series:
- Mitch Marner, Vegas Golden Knights: 16 points (11 games)[2]
- 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 stars are driving their teams’ playoff pushes.
Upcoming playoff schedule
Action resumes today with one game:
- Wednesday, May 13: Minnesota Wild at Colorado Avalanche (Game 5, COL leads 3-1), 8 p.m. ET (TNT, truTV, HBO Max, SN, CBC, TVAS)[4]
Thursday features two matchups:
- Montreal Canadiens at Buffalo Sabres (Game 5, series tied 2-2), 7 p.m. ET
- Vegas Golden Knights at Anaheim Ducks (Game 6, VGK leads 3-2), 9:30 p.m. ET
Full details at NHL.com schedule.[4] For more trackers and odds, check The Hockey News.[2]
Colorado holds the key tonight; a win sends them through, while Minnesota fights elimination. Vegas and Buffalo look poised to take control at home, but Anaheim and Montreal won’t fade easily. The path to the conference finals grows clearer, with high stakes in every shift.[2]
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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.