Buffalo eyes a 2-0 series lead over Montreal. Anaheim and Vegas duel in a tight second-round battle. Full update inside.
The 2026 NHL playoffs are heating up. push for a commanding 2-0 series lead against the . and trade blows in a tightly contested second-round matchup.
The Hockey News' latest playoff tracker breaks down every series score, highlights the top point-producers across the conference, and outlines the May 8 game slate. This is your one-stop snapshot of who's alive, who's dead, and what's next. Buffalo's momentum is building.
After a strong opening win, the Sabres aim to double down on home ice. Montreal needs a response fast to avoid falling into a deep hole. Out West, Anaheim and Vegas are locked in a slugfest.
Neither team has seized control, making every shift critical. The stakes are high for both series. Buffalo's home advantage could be pivotal as they look to extend their lead.
A win for Montreal would not only even the series but also shift the psychological edge back in their favor. Meanwhile, Anaheim and Vegas are showcasing playoff intensity, with both squads aware that a win could change the series' trajectory. The tight matchups are a reminder of the playoff grind, where every goal and penalty can alter the course of a championship run.
The top scorers list is packed with stars lighting the lamp. Their production is driving series outcomes. For fans, bettors, and fantasy managers, tracking who's hot is essential.
The May 8 schedule offers a full slate of action, setting the stage for pivotal games. Buffalo's power play efficiency has been a key factor in their early success, converting on critical opportunities. Montreal's goaltending will need to step up to stifle the Sabres' offensive threats.
In the Anaheim-Vegas series, special teams have been the difference, with both teams capitalizing on power plays and penalty kills to swing momentum. Historically, teams that take a 2-0 series lead have a significant advantage, often advancing to the next round. Montreal and Anaheim face the pressure of avoiding this deficit, while Buffalo and Vegas aim to capitalize on their early momentum.
The psychological warfare is as intense as the on-ice battles, with coaching strategies and player adjustments becoming critical factors. What's next: Buffalo vs. Montreal Game 2 and Anaheim vs.
Vegas Game 3 headline the May 8 lineup. Expect high stakes and desperate hockey. Read at The Hockey News
With the Stanley Cup on the line, knowing which teams hold momentum and which players are lighting the lamp is crucial for fans, bettors, and fantasy managers. This tracker delivers the essential data to follow the drama and plan the next watch-party. Every series shift and scoring surge shapes the playoff narrative, making this snapshot indispensable for anyone tracking the road to the Cup.
The Hockey Newsthehockeynews.comBy Jonathan Tovell May 9, 1:42 PM en
The Hockey Newsthehockeynews.comBy Jonathan Tovell May 11, 1:23 PM en
The Hockey Newsthehockeynews.comBy Jonathan Tovell May 10, 12:38 PM en
The Hockey Newsthehockeynews.comBy Luke Martil May 8, 1:46 PM en
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