The NHL playoffs are heating up as round 2 gets fully underway. Montreal Canadiens became the final team to advance after a thrilling seven-game series win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite limited shots, the Canadiens capitalized on lucky bounces, including one off Lightning defenseman J.J. Moser and another when Alex Newhook batted the puck off Andrei Vasilevskiy’s back. [1] [2]
Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild kicked off their series with a high-scoring affair on Sunday. The action continues Monday with key games across the bracket. Here’s the latest on series updates, odds, top performers and the May 4 slate.
Round 2 series updates
Carolina Hurricanes swept into round 2 after dominating Philadelphia Flyers 3-0 in Game 1. The Hurricanes look strong as the Metropolitan 1 seed against the 3 seed Flyers. Game 2 heads to Carolina on Monday night.
Buffalo Sabres earned their spot as Atlantic 1 seed facing Montreal Canadiens, the 3 seed who just upset Tampa. This matchup pits two high-powered offenses. Game 1 odds favor Buffalo slightly.
Colorado Avalanche, Central 1, exploded for nine goals in a 9-6 win over Minnesota Wild in Game 1. The Avalanche’s firepower overwhelmed the Wild early in round 2. Both teams boast top scorers leading the playoffs.
Vegas Golden Knights, Pacific 1, prepare to host Anaheim Ducks, Pacific 3, in Game 1. The Ducks pulled off an upset in round 1, led by Jackson LaCombe’s strong play. Vegas remains a favorite at home.
These divisional clashes promise intensity. As detailed in our 2026 NHL playoffs second round schedule, times and TV listings are set across ESPN, SN and more. [2]
Round 1 featured drama, like Montreal’s overtime wins and clincher in Game 7. Tampa pushed hard but fell short. For full round 1 recaps, check our NHL playoffs tracker for May 3. [3]
May 4 playoff schedule
Monday’s slate features two crucial games in eastern time.
- Game 2: Philadelphia Flyers at Carolina Hurricanes, 7 p.m. (ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS)
- Game 1: Anaheim Ducks at Vegas Golden Knights, 9:30 p.m. (ESPN, SN, SN360, TVAS)
Fans can catch every moment on national broadcasts. The Hurricanes aim to take a 2-0 series lead at home. Vegas opens as hosts against a scrappy Anaheim squad.
These games set the tone for round 2. Philadelphia needs a response after Game 1 shutout. Anaheim hopes to steal one on the road.
For the full 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs second round schedule, visit NHL.com. [2]
Expect packed arenas and electric atmospheres. Weather across host cities looks playoff-ready.
Current betting odds
Odds from BetMGM highlight favorites.
- Game 2 Philadelphia at Carolina: Flyers +220 (3.20), Hurricanes -278 (1.36)
- Game 1 Buffalo vs. Montreal: Canadiens +110 (2.10), Sabres -133 (1.75)
- Game 2 Minnesota at Colorado: Wild +165 (2.65), Avalanche -200 (1.50)
- Game 1 Anaheim at Vegas: Ducks +140 (2.40), Golden Knights -169 (1.59)
Carolina heavily favored to extend their edge. Vegas holds home-ice advantage in odds.
Buffalo slight picks over Montreal despite the Canadiens’ momentum. Colorado rebounds strong after Game 1.
These lines reflect form and seeding. Bettors eye value in underdogs like Anaheim.
Leading playoff scorers
Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild tops the charts with 11 points in 7 games. His play has been pivotal for the Wild. [4]
Tied for second at 10 points: Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton, 6 games), Matt Boldy (Minnesota, 7), Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota, 7). Wild stars dominate.
Tied for fifth at 9 points: Matt Duchene (Dallas, 6), Jackson LaCombe (Anaheim, 6), Jack Eichel (Vegas, 6).
- Quinn Hughes, Minnesota Wild: 11 points, 7 games
- Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers: 10 points, 6 games
- Matt Boldy, Minnesota Wild: 10 points, 7 games
- Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild: 10 points, 7 games
- Matt Duchene, Dallas Stars: 9 points, 6 games
- Jackson LaCombe, Anaheim Ducks: 9 points, 6 games
- Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights: 9 points, 6 games
Minnesota’s trio leads the West Conn Smythe talk. Hughes’ impact echoes his regular season Norris form.
These scorers drive narratives. Watch for breakouts in round 2.
Key storylines to watch
Montreal’s improbable run continues after beating Tampa. Newhook’s flair goal symbolized their grit.
Colorado-Minnesota’s 15-goal Game 1 sets offense tone. Avalanche seek repeat, Wild chase drought end. [5]
Upsets like Anaheim advancing add chaos. Philly must solve Carolina’s defense.
Goaltending battles loom large. Vasilevskiy faltered late; others step up.
Injuries and adjustments shape series. Momentum favors road teams early.
The May 4 games could shift brackets dramatically. As round 2 unfolds, expect overtime thrillers and heroics. Top seeds hold edges, but underdogs like Montreal prove anything possible—what it means for the Cup chase remains wide open. Stay tuned for updates.
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.