NHL Playoffs Tracker: Series Results, Top Scorers, April 27 Schedule

The 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs first round delivers drama across the board, with two series already decided and six others hanging in the balance. Carolina Hurricanes completed a sweep over Ottawa Senators, positioning them to await the winner of the heated Pittsburgh Penguins-Philadelphia Flyers clash.[1][2] Building on the key updates from our April 25 playoffs tracker, today features pivotal Game 5s and a critical Game 4, all broadcast on major networks.

Fans can catch Philadelphia at Pittsburgh at 7 p.m. ET on SN, SN360, TVAS and ESPN, followed by Vegas at Utah at 9:30 p.m. ET on SN, SN360, CBC, TVAS and ESPN. Odds for select games are available via BetMGM.[3]

April 27 game slate

Monday’s action kicks off with a Metropolitan division showdown as the Flyers visit the Penguins in Game 5. Philadelphia holds a 3-1 series lead after dropping Game 4, putting Pittsburgh on the brink of elimination. BetMGM lists Pittsburgh as favorites at 1.72 (-139), with Philadelphia at 2.15 (+115).

The late game pits Pacific leaders Vegas Golden Knights against Utah Mammoth in Game 4. Vegas seeks to close out the series after Utah stole one at home in Game 3. Odds sit close: Vegas at 1.85 (-118), Utah at 1.98 (-102). These matchups could shift conference brackets dramatically.[4]

Broadcast details ensure wide accessibility, with ESPN carrying both. Viewers should note potential overtime thrillers, as three of the prior games in these series went extra time.

As covered in our April 23 playoffs tracker, early playoff chaos has defined this round. Expect defensive battles and hot goaltending to decide today’s outcomes.

Full bracket and live updates are tracked on the NHL playoffs page.[5]

Metropolitan division series

Carolina Hurricanes (M1) dispatched Ottawa Senators (WC2) in four games, starting with a 2-0 shutout in Game 1.

• Game 1: Ottawa 0, Carolina 2
• Game 2: Ottawa 2, Carolina 3 (2OT)
• Game 3: Carolina 2, Ottawa 1
• Game 4: Carolina 4, Ottawa 2

The Hurricanes’ depth shone through, limiting Ottawa’s offense. Taylor Hall’s seven points paced Carolina, fueling their sweep—the first of the playoffs.[6]

Pittsburgh Penguins (M2) trail Philadelphia Flyers (M3) 1-3 heading into Game 5 at home.

• Game 1: Philadelphia 3, Pittsburgh 2
• Game 2: Philadelphia 3, Pittsburgh 0
• Game 3: Pittsburgh 2, Philadelphia 5
• Game 4: Pittsburgh 4, Philadelphia 2

Philadelphia’s road resilience gives them edge, but Penguins’ home ice could spark comeback. Sidney Crosby’s leadership remains key amid pressure.

These outcomes set up Carolina’s second-round path. A Flyers win advances them; Penguins victory forces Game 6.

Atlantic division battles

Buffalo Sabres (A1) lead Boston Bruins (WC1) 3-1, with Game 5 odds favoring Buffalo at 1.57 (-175).

• Game 1: Boston 3, Buffalo 4
• Game 2: Boston 4, Buffalo 2
• Game 3: Buffalo 3, Boston 1
• Game 4: Buffalo 6, Boston 1

Buffalo’s offensive explosion in Game 4 overwhelmed Boston. Bruins must rebound or face early exit.

Tampa Bay Lightning (A2) evened their series with Montreal Canadiens (A3) at 2-2.

• Game 1: Montreal 4, Tampa Bay 3 (OT)
• Game 2: Montreal 2, Tampa Bay 3 (OT)
• Game 3: Tampa Bay 2, Montreal 3 (OT)
• Game 4: Tampa Bay 3, Montreal 2

Three overtime thrillers highlight intensity. Jake Guentzel and Brandon Hagel each tally seven points for Tampa. Montreal underdogs at 2.45 (+145) for Game 5.

Bruins and Canadiens fight for survival. Buffalo eyes sweep potential.

Central division showdowns

Colorado Avalanche (C1) swept Los Angeles Kings (WC2) 4-0.

• Game 1: Los Angeles 1, Colorado 2
• Game 2: Los Angeles 1, Colorado 2 (OT)
• Game 3: Colorado 4, Los Angeles 2
• Game 4: Colorado 5, Los Angeles 1

Avalanche dominance clears path to second round. Nathan MacKinnon’s playmaking central.

Dallas Stars (C2) tied Minnesota Wild (C3) 2-2.

• Game 1: Minnesota 6, Dallas 1
• Game 2: Minnesota 2, Dallas 4
• Game 3: Dallas 4, Minnesota 3 (2OT)
• Game 4: Dallas 2, Minnesota 3 (OT)

Matt Duchene’s seven points lead Dallas. Minnesota slight underdogs at 2.10 (+110) for Game 5.

Both teams showcase resilience. Winner gains momentum.

Pacific conference action

Vegas Golden Knights (P1) hold edge over Utah Mammoth (WC1), Game 4 tonight.

Edmonton Oilers (P2) trail Anaheim Ducks (P3) 1-3.

• Game 1: Anaheim 3, Edmonton 4
• Game 2: Anaheim 6, Edmonton 4
• Game 3: Edmonton 4, Anaheim 7
• Game 4: Edmonton 3, Anaheim 4 (OT)

Leon Draisaitl’s seven points not enough. Edmonton favored at 1.57 (-175) for Game 5.

Utah’s home upset in Game 3 keeps hopes alive. Vegas aims closure.

Jackson LaCombe leads playoffs with eight points for Anaheim in four games.

Top playoff performers

Early leaders dominate headlines:

1. Jackson LaCombe, Anaheim Ducks: 8 points, 4 games

• Tied for second (7 points, 4 games each):
  • Taylor Hall, Carolina Hurricanes
  • Matt Duchene, Dallas Stars
  • Jake Guentzel, Tampa Bay Lightning
  • Brandon Hagel, Tampa Bay Lightning
  • Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers

LaCombe’s emergence boosts Anaheim’s series lead.[7] Veterans like Hall and Duchene prove experience matters.

These scorers thrive amid pressure. Expect shifts as series extend.

With two sweeps, four teams on brink, playoffs promise twists. April 27 games could eliminate more contenders, reshaping brackets. Follow for second-round intrigue—what it means for Cup chase ahead.[8]