Eight new teams open their postseason Sunday. Here's what to watch, along with Saturday's highlights and stats.
Which teams will earn an early edge in their series? What are the key matchups in each game? Read on for previews of each of Sunday's games, scores and highlights from Saturday's games, and updated playoff stat leaders.
The first team to clinch its playoff ticket faces off against the final team to do so, as the Presidents' Trophy-winning Avalanche begin their quest to win their second Cup of the 2020s . Colorado did well against most teams this season, and that was also the case against L.A., sweeping all three games against the Kings by an aggregate score of 13-5. The two teams last met in the playoffs in 2002, which was a 4-3 series win by the Avs., these two Atlantic Division rivals wound up competing in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, won 4-1 by Tampa Bay. Their previous meeting in a traditional playoff format was back in 2015, a 4-2 win for the Lightning. Can the Canadiens reverse the trend this spring?
The two clubs split the regular-season series, although the Habs won the two most recent games .For the first time since 2011, the Sabres are competing in the Stanley Cup playoffs, and they do so as Atlantic Division regular-season champs. The B's might be a tough out for Buffalo, as Boston won the season series 3-1, including a 4-3 overtime win on March 25. The Sabres and Bruins met back in the 2010 playoffs, which was a 4-2 series win for Boston.
The Golden Knights famously made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final in their first season of existence, losing to the Capitals in 2018; they would win the Cup five years later. The Mammoth are technically in theirseason of existence -- having played as the Utah Hockey Club in 2024-25 -- but could they make a similar run in 2026? Utah has had Vegas' number this season, losing the first matchup 4-1 on Nov. 20, but winning 5-1 on Nov. 24 and 4-0 on March 19.
opening the scoring at 2:11 of the second period. It looked like Stankoven had another goal in the third, but the Canes' second goal was instead credited to his linemateanswered the bell , stopping all 22 shots he faced. Game 2 will be Monday in Raleigh.
This series was expected to be one of the closest of the first round, with many pundits believing it will go the full seven games. It still might, but Game 1 did not go according to that script. Minnesota jumped out to an early lead on apower-play goal at 5:35 of the first. The Wild poured it on in the second, with three goals in the first 6:30 from
The final game on Saturday kicked off the latest edition of the Battle of Pennsylvania. While emotions ran high, the two teams were scoreless through the first period. Philly'sadded some insurance with less than three minutes to go. That was critical, as the Penguins did get one back with the goalie pulled --at 18:59 -- but couldn't get the equalizer in the final ticks.
The teams will face off again in Pittsburgh on Monday night.
Edmonton-Oilers Colorado-Avalanche Buffalo-Sabres Ottawa-Senators Philadelphia-Flyers Los-Angeles-Kings Minnesota-Wild Utah-Mammoth Vegas-Golden-Knights Nhl Pittsburgh-Penguins Tampa-Bay-Lightning Boston-Bruins Carolina-Hurricanes Dallas-Stars Montreal-Canadiens Anaheim-Ducks 18918902
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Fanatics Sportsbook promo code NYPOST: Get up to $1,000 matched in FanCash for Stanley Cup futuresGather up to $1,000 matched in FanCash with Fanatics Sportsbook promo code NYPOST for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Read more »
2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Rosters Loaded with Former College Players: A BreakdownYour daily briefing on what's going on in college hockey, everything from the assists on the ice to the Zamboni.
Read more »
Polymarket promo code NYPMAX: Deposit $20, get $20 for the Stanley Cup PlayoffsDeposit $20 to get a $20 bonus with our promo code NYPMAX to skip the waitlist and make predictions on the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Read more »
Senators vs. Hurricanes Game 1 predictions: NHL odds, best bets, picks for Stanley Cup PlayoffsThe Ottawa Senators are not your typical No. 8 seed.
Read more »
Stars vs. Wild Game 1 prediction: Stanley Cup Playoffs odds, picks, best betsOddsmakers have declared the best-of-7 between the Wild and Stars a coin flip.
Read more »
Flyers vs. Penguins Game 1 predictions: NHL odds, best bets, picks for Stanley Cup PlayoffsSidney Crosby returns to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and all feels right in the world again.
Read more »