The NHL playoffs are heating up with intense second-round action across the divisions. As of May 15, three series have reached conclusions, while the Atlantic division showdown between the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens hangs in the balance. Montreal grabbed a crucial 3-2 series lead with a convincing 6-3 victory in Game 5, setting the stage for a pivotal Game 6 on Saturday.
Vegas Golden Knights wrapped up their Pacific series against the Anaheim Ducks with a 4-2 win, highlighted by a dominant Game 6 performance. Colorado Avalanche advanced past Minnesota Wild in five games, while Carolina Hurricanes appear poised to sweep Philadelphia Flyers. No games are scheduled for Friday, giving players a brief respite before the weekend push.
Fans can check previous playoff trackers for earlier results and analysis, including top scorers from May 12.
Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens
The Atlantic division series has been a rollercoaster, with Montreal now holding a 3-2 edge after rallying in Game 5. The Montreal Canadiens chased Buffalo early but seized control late in the second period, pouring in goals to secure the win. Game 6 odds favor Montreal at -160 on BetMGM, with Buffalo as +135 underdogs.
Here’s the series breakdown:
| Game | Result |
|---|---|
| 1 | Buffalo 4, Montreal 2 |
| 2 | Montreal 5, Buffalo 1 |
| 3 | Montreal 6, Buffalo 2 |
| 4 | Buffalo 3, Montreal 2 |
| 5 | Montreal 6, Buffalo 3 |
Buffalo’s early dominance in Game 1 set a strong tone, but Montreal’s offensive firepower has turned the tide. Rookie contributions, like Ivan Demidov’s first playoff goal, have energized the Canadiens.
The Sabres will look to even the series at home, leaning on their top seed experience from the regular season. Momentum swings have defined this matchup, reminiscent of classic Original Six rivalries.
A win for Montreal would send them to the conference finals, while Buffalo fights for survival. Expect high stakes and physical play in Game 6.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Philadelphia Flyers
Carolina has methodically dismantled Philadelphia, winning all four games to date. Their defensive structure shone in overtime victories, frustrating the Flyers’ attack. Game 4’s 3-2 OT decision sealed what looks like a sweep.
Series results:
- Game 1: Carolina 3, Philadelphia 0
- Game 2: Carolina 3, Philadelphia 2 (OT)
- Game 3: Carolina 4, Philadelphia 1
- Game 4: Carolina 3, Philadelphia 2 (OT)
Goaltending has been key, with Frederik Andersen anchoring the Hurricanes’ crease. Philly struggled to generate offense against Carolina’s forecheck.
This series highlights Metro division parity, but Carolina’s depth prevailed. Historical parallels include Carolina’s strong playoff runs in recent years.
Advancing to the next round positions Carolina as conference favorites.
Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild
Colorado overcame an early scare to dispatch Minnesota 4-1 in the series. High-scoring Game 1 (9-6 win) set records, but Nathan MacKinnon’s clutch OT goal in Game 5 clinched it. MacKinnon now sits among playoff leaders with 13 points.
Full results:
| Game | Result |
|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado 9, Minnesota 6 |
| 2 | Colorado 5, Minnesota 2 |
| 3 | Minnesota 5, Colorado 1 |
| 4 | Colorado 5, Minnesota 2 |
| 5 | Colorado 4, Minnesota 3 (OT) |
Minnesota’s stars like Kirill Kaprizov and Quinn Hughes posted big numbers but couldn’t overcome Colorado’s resilience. Game 3 loss stung, but the Avs bounced back.
This matchup echoed Colorado’s championship pedigree from past postseasons.
The Avalanche now gear up for deeper runs, with MacKinnon’s form a major asset.
Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks
Vegas closed out Anaheim in six games, winning 5-1 in the finale. Mitch Marner’s leadership propelled the Knights, topping playoff scoring charts. Game 5’s OT thriller paved the way.
Series summary:
- Game 1: Vegas 3, Anaheim 1
- Game 2: Anaheim 3, Vegas 1
- Game 3: Vegas 6, Anaheim 2
- Game 4: Anaheim 4, Vegas 3
- Game 5: Vegas 3, Anaheim 2 (OT)
- Game 6: Vegas 5, Anaheim 1
Anaheim pushed hard with early wins, but Vegas’ experience prevailed. Jack Eichel’s 15 points complemented Marner.
Pacific division battles often deliver drama, and this was no exception.
Vegas emerges as a Cup contender once more.
Leading playoff scorers
Mitch Marner of the Vegas Golden Knights leads with 18 points in 12 games, showcasing elite playmaking.
Top performers:
- Mitch Marner, Vegas Golden Knights: 18 points (12 games)
- (Tied) Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild: 15 points (11 games)
Quinn Hughes, Minnesota Wild: 15 points (11 games) Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights: 15 points (12 games) - (Tied) Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche: 13 points (9 games) Matt Boldy, Minnesota Wild: 13 points (11 games)
Marner’s between-the-legs goal highlighted his creativity. Minnesota duo Kaprizov-Hughes dominated despite series loss.
These stats signal stars who could carry teams far. Depth scoring remains crucial in playoffs.
What’s next in the playoffs
With Vegas, Colorado, and likely Carolina advancing, attention turns to Montreal-Buffalo Game 6 on Saturday. Winners face off in conference finals soon after.
For betting insights, visit BetMGM’s NHL page. Check earlier coverage for schedule details.
The road to the Stanley Cup intensifies, with underdogs like Montreal proving resilient. Fans should watch for goaltending duels and power plays to decide fates. Expect conference finals to feature high-octane hockey as contenders emerge.
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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.