The first weekend of the NHL Playoffs is in the books, and seven of the eight series are underway. The Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks are the final series th

Lightning hoping to avoid disappointment in the first round, but Canadiens or Sabres in second round could end their season

DENVER (AP) — The big hits always roll out this time of year. It's just part of playoff hockey, especially in the tone-setting first round. So, keep that head on a swivel. Through seven contests, teams are averaging a combined 86.

History was made, and it happened in chaos. The Buffalo Sabres pulled off one of the most stunning comebacks in Stanley Cup Playoffs history, defeating the Boston Bruins in a Game 1 that will be remembered for a long time.

However, Ottawa is not your typical No. 8 seed. The Sens entered the postseason as one of the hottest teams in the league, and much of their success was built on stifling defense. The Senators can go toe-to-toe with the Canes; they just need to be willing to play on the front foot more often than they did in Game 1.

The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are officially underway. While the Vancouver Canucks will not be taking part in the post-season — unsurprisingly — there are quite a few former Canucks who will look to make their mark as they pursue the Stanley Cup with their current teams.

The Anaheim Ducks will face the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night at Rogers Place, marking their return to the Stanley Cup playoffs after a seven-year absence. This game is scheduled to start at 10 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN2.