The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are deep into the second round, and there’s already been one sweep.

Latest playoff headlines

• The Carolina Hurricanes swept the Philadelphia Flyers 4-0 and became the first team to reach the Eastern Conference Final.

The Montreal Canadiens lead the Buffalo Sabres series 2-1 after a dominant 6-2 Game 3 win.

The Anaheim Ducks tied their series 2-2 against the Vegas Golden Knights with a 4-3 win in Game 4.

The Colorado Avalanche currently lead the Minnesota Wild series 2-1.

Current second-round series

Big surprise stories this postseason include the Canadiens’ playoff run, Anaheim ending Vegas’ momentum, and Carolina staying undefeated through two rounds.

 The honest call:

Buffalo Sabres in 7 games

 Why Buffalo (slight edge)

• Special teams difference ⚡
  Their power play has already made an impact — that usually decides tight playoff series.
• Physical wear-down factor 💪
  Over a long series, Buffalo’s heavier style can slow down Montreal’s speed.
• Blue line control
  With players like Rasmus Dahlin, they can dictate pace and possession.

 Why Montreal can absolutely flip this

• Clutch factor is real
  Montreal Canadiens already proved they can win elimination games.
• Game-breakers
  Cole Caufield only needs one look to change a game.
• Leadership
  Nick Suzuki has been playing like a true playoff driver.

What decides Game 7

If it gets there (likely):

• If it’s tight, low scoring → edge Montreal
• If it’s physical + special teams battle → edge Buffalo

 Final Take

This is basically a coin flip series, but:

👉 Buffalo has a slight structural advantage
👉 Montreal has the higher upset potential

Prediction: Sabres win a tight Game 7 — but don’t be surprised if the Canadiens steal it.

Here’s the latest 2026 NHL playoff update (as of May 6, 2026):

 Current Round: Second Round (Conference Semifinals)

Eastern Conference

• Carolina Hurricanes vs Philadelphia Flyers
   Hurricanes lead 1–0 (won Game 1: 3–0)

Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens
 Series just set after Montreal won Game 7 vs Tampa Bay

Western Conference

• Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild
   Avalanche lead 2–0
  (Game 1: 9–6, Game 2: 5–2)
• Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks
   Golden Knights lead 1–0

 Key First-Round Results

• Hurricanes swept Ottawa Senators (4–0)

Flyers eliminated Pittsburgh Penguins (4–2)

Avalanche swept Los Angeles Kings (4–0)

Wild beat Dallas Stars (4–2)

Sabres beat Boston Bruins (4–2)

Golden Knights beat Utah Mammoth (4–2)

🔥 Notable storylines

• The Sabres won a playoff series for the first time in 19 years
• The Hurricanes have been dominant and haven’t trailed much so far
• The Avalanche (top regular-season team) look like serious Cup favorites
• The defending champs (Florida Panthers) didn’t even make the playoffs

Round 2 is underway

The first round just finished, and several series have already started in Round 2.

Current Round 2 matchups

• Carolina Hurricanes vs Philadelphia Flyers
  • Hurricanes lead 2–0
  • Game 1: 3–0, Game 2: 3–2 (OT)

Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild

• Avalanche lead 1–0
• Game 1: 9–6 shootout-style game

Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks

• Golden Knights lead 1–0
• Game 1: 3–1

Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens

• Series starting now (Game 1 scheduled May 6)

Key Round 1 results

• Buffalo Sabres beat Boston Bruins (first series win in 19 years)

Philadelphia Flyers eliminated Pittsburgh Penguins in OT Game 6

Montreal Canadiens beat Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 7

• Vegas Golden Knights eliminated Utah in 6 games
• Anaheim Ducks knocked out Edmonton Oilers
• Carolina Hurricanes swept Ottawa Senators

 Quick takeaway

• Hurricanes look dominant (undefeated so far)
• Sabres are a big surprise team
• West is wide open with high-scoring games
• Several series already showing offense-heavy trends