NHL Playoffs Tracker: Series Results, Top Scorers, May 8 Schedule

The Carolina Hurricanes continue to dominate the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs, becoming just the 13th team in NHL history to win their first seven postseason games. They achieved this feat with a 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 3 of their second-round series, marking the first such streak since the 2024 New York Rangers.[1] On May 8, fans tuned in for crucial matchups as the playoffs heated up, with series hanging in the balance across conferences.

Friday’s slate featured Game 2 between the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres, alongside Game 3 of the Vegas Golden Knights versus Anaheim Ducks. These games provided pivotal moments, shifting momentum in tightly contested series. Updates on all ongoing matchups, leading scorers, and odds paint a picture of high-stakes hockey.

Carolina Hurricanes’ unbeaten streak

The Hurricanes’ run has been nothing short of spectacular. After sweeping their first-round opponent, they took a commanding 3-0 lead over the Flyers with a gritty 4-1 win on the road. This victory extended their playoff record to 7-0, putting them in elite company historically.[2]

Carolina’s defense has been stingy, allowing two goals or fewer in each of those seven games. Goaltending and balanced scoring have fueled the surge, with contributions from across the lineup. Opponents have struggled to penetrate their forecheck and structured play.

Since May 8, the Hurricanes closed out the Flyers in Game 4, sweeping the series 4-0 and advancing to the Eastern Conference Final unbeaten at 8-0. This positions them as heavy favorites moving forward, drawing comparisons to past dynasties.[3]

The streak underscores Carolina’s depth and coaching. As they prepare for the next round, questions linger about who can finally solve them. Their momentum is a major storyline in these playoffs.

Fans have praised the team’s resilience, especially in tight games. This historic start bodes well for a deep run, but the postseason remains unpredictable.

May 8 game recaps

Game 2 of the Atlantic Division second-round series saw the Montreal Canadiens roar back against the Buffalo Sabres. Trailing 1-0 in the series after a 4-2 loss in Game 1, Montreal dominated with a 5-1 victory at KeyBank Center. Alex Newhook and Mike Matheson scored early, setting the tone as the Habs evened the series at 1-1.[4][5]

The Sabres, who earned the top Atlantic seed, couldn’t build on their strong start. Buffalo’s power play faltered, while Montreal’s speed exploited turnovers. This result shifted home-ice advantage back toward the Canadiens for upcoming games.

In the Pacific, Game 3 pitted the Vegas Golden Knights against the Anaheim Ducks. Tied 1-1 after Vegas won Game 1 3-1 and Anaheim stole Game 2 3-1, the Knights retook the lead with a convincing 6-2 win. Vegas’ offense exploded, putting Anaheim on the brink.[5]

These outcomes highlighted the volatility of second-round play. Both games aired nationally on TNT, truTV, and streaming platforms, drawing massive viewership. May 8 proved pivotal for series trajectories.

Post-game analysis focused on momentum swings. Teams like Montreal gained confidence heading home, while Vegas solidified their contender status.

Current series updates

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Philadelphia Flyers

Carolina swept Philadelphia 4-0, capping it with a Game 4 win after leading 3-0 through May 8. Odds for Game 4 had the Hurricanes at -190 favorites via BetMGM. Their dominance propelled them to 8-0 overall.

Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens

After Montreal’s 5-1 Game 2 win on May 8, the series sat at 1-1. As of May 13, it’s tied 2-2, with intense back-and-forth action. Buffalo (1.72/-139) was favored for Game 2 pre-match.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild

Colorado led 2-0 entering May 8, with blowout wins of 9-6 and 5-2. Now up 3-1, Game 5 looms as Minnesota fights back. Game 3 odds favored Colorado at -128.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks

Vegas took a 2-1 lead post-May 8 Game 3 (6-2 win). Even odds at -110 each highlighted the matchup’s closeness. Anaheim’s resilience keeps it competitive.

These series showcase divisional rivalries and star power. Updates reflect resilience from underdogs like Montreal and Anaheim.

For live bracket tracking, check the official NHL playoffs page.[6]

Leading playoff scorers

The top of the scoring charts features Minnesota Wild stars:

• T-1. Quinn Hughes: 11 points (8 games)[7]
• T-1. Kirill Kaprizov: 11 points (8 games)
• T-2. Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado): 10 points (6 games)
• T-2. Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton): 10 points (6 games) – though Edmonton not in listed series
• T-2. Jackson LaCombe (Anaheim): 10 points (8 games)
• T-2. Matt Boldy (Minnesota): 10 points (8 games)
• T-2. Jack Eichel (Vegas): 10 points (8 games)

These players drive their teams’ offenses amid tight checking. Hughes and Kaprizov lead with multi-category impact.

Boldy and Eichel have been clutch in key wins. As series progress, expect shifts with more games played.

Recent tallies show potential risers like Mitch Marner nearing 16 points, but Wild duo holds firm as of early second round.[8]

Scoring depth matters in playoffs. Visit Hockey-Reference for full stats.[7]

Betting odds and outlook

BetMGM odds as of May 8 previews:

Favorites align with seeds, but upsets loom. Public money has favored Carolina heavily.

Odds reflect form, but playoffs defy lines often. Check BetMGM for latest.

Shifts post-May 8 show tighter lines in BUF-MTL and VGK-ANA.

Value bets emerge in underdogs pushing back.

The Hurricanes’ streak and Wild’s scoring duo signal contenders. As second round intensifies toward May 13 and beyond, expect drama in Colorado-Minnesota and Buffalo-Montreal. Carolina eyes history in the conference final—what team steps up to challenge? Stay tuned for more playoff fireworks.