The first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs is heating up with several series tied or on the brink of elimination. After a weekend of intense action, fans are gearing up for three crucial Game 5s on Tuesday, April 28. These matchups could shift the momentum dramatically, with home teams looking to close out series or extend their leads. [1] [2]
Standout performances from players like Jackson LaCombe of the Anaheim Ducks, who leads all scorers with eight points, highlight the early playoff drama. Betting odds from BetMGM show tight lines across the board, reflecting the competitiveness.
April 28 game schedule
Tuesday’s slate features three pivotal Game 5s, all broadcast nationally. The action kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET with Boston at Buffalo on SNE, SNO, SNP, TVAS, TNT, HBO Max and truTV. This follows Buffalo’s dominant 6-1 win in Game 4 to take a 3-1 series lead. [3]
Next, Minnesota visits Dallas at 8 p.m. ET on SN360, TVAS2 and ESPN. The series is tied 2-2 after Dallas evened it up in Game 3 and Minnesota stole Game 4 in overtime. Expect a high-stakes battle in Dallas.
The night caps with Edmonton at Anaheim at 10 p.m. ET on SN, CBC, TVAS, TNT, HBO Max and truTV. Anaheim holds a 3-1 edge after their Game 4 overtime victory.
These games underscore the playoff intensity, where every shift counts. For full details, check the official NHL schedule. [4]
Teams are managing fatigue and injuries carefully at this stage. Broadcast options ensure wide accessibility for fans across North America.
Eastern conference series updates
In the East, Carolina Hurricanes lead Ottawa Senators 4-0 after winning the first four games: 2-0, 3-2 (2OT), 2-1 and 4-2. Taylor Hall’s seven points tie him for second in playoff scoring, powering the Hurricanes’ attack.
Philadelphia Flyers lead Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. The series has been competitive: Philadelphia won Games 1 (3-2), 2 (3-0), 3 (5-2); Pittsburgh won Games 4 (4-2), 5 (3-2).
Buffalo Sabres lead Boston Bruins 3-1: Buffalo wins in Games 1, 3, 4; Boston in Game 2.
Tampa Bay Lightning tied with Montreal Canadiens 2-2: Montreal won Games 1 and 3 in OT; Tampa won Games 2 and 4.
These series showcase resilience. Buffalo’s blowout in Game 4 stunned Boston. [5]
Western conference series updates
Colorado Avalanche lead Los Angeles Kings 4-0.
Dallas Stars tied with Minnesota Wild 2-2.
Vegas Golden Knights lead Utah Mammoth 3-1.
Anaheim Ducks lead Edmonton Oilers 3-1.
Colorado’s sweep puts them ahead. [6]
For more on recent games, see our April 27 playoffs tracker.
Game 5 betting odds
BetMGM lists tight odds across matchups, favoring home teams slightly. Check BetMGM for live odds. [7]
Top playoff scorers
Jackson LaCombe (Anaheim) tops with 8 points in 4 games.
Tied at 7 points: Taylor Hall (Carolina), Matt Duchene (Dallas), Brandon Hagel (Tampa), Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton), Jake Guentzel (Tampa).
These leaders shine in clutch moments. [8]
With multiple series nearing conclusions, the second round beckons. [9]
Frequently Asked Questions
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.