Stanley Cup Playoffs 2026: Second Round Insights

The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are heating up as the second round commenced after an exhilarating Game 7 closed out the first round. There are now seven teams left vying for the coveted Cup, with only three spots available in the conference finals.

Out West, the Colorado Avalanche swiftly handled the Los Angeles Kings in the first round and now face a greater challenge against the Minnesota Wild. The Wild secured their first playoff series win since 2015, setting the stage for a thrilling matchup that features two of the best defensemen in the league—Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes.

Meanwhile, in the Pacific bracket, the Vegas Golden Knights are set to compete against the Anaheim Ducks. This series brings together a team known for its strong defensive plays against a young and dynamic roster capable of scoring rapidly.

In the Eastern Conference, the Carolina Hurricanes have made a strong statement, advancing to the conference finals with a perfect sweep of the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round, marking an impressive 8-0 record in the playoffs so far.

On the other side, the Montreal Canadiens, who won against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 7, are now meeting the Buffalo Sabres in the second round. Both teams are looking to seize an opportunity to advance to the Eastern Conference Final.

Round 2 Matchups and Results

(1) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (3) Philadelphia Flyers
Game 1: Hurricanes 3, Flyers 0 | Recap
Game 2: Hurricanes 3, Flyers 2 (OT) | Recap
Game 3: Hurricanes 4, Flyers 1 | Recap
Game 4: Hurricanes 3, Flyers 2 (OT) | Recap

(1) Buffalo Sabres vs. (3) Montreal Canadiens
Game 1: Sabres 4, Canadiens 2 | Recap
Game 2: Canadiens 5, Sabres 1 | Recap
Game 3: Canadiens 6, Sabres 2 | Recap
Game 4: Sabres 3, Canadiens 2 | Recap
Game 5: Thursday, May 14 | at BUF | 7 p.m. | TNT
Game 6: Saturday, May 16 | at MTL | 8 p.m. | ABC
*Game 7: Monday, May 18 | at BUF | TBD | ESPN

(1) Colorado Avalanche vs. (3) Minnesota Wild
Game 1: Avalanche 9, Wild 6 | Recap
Game 2: Avalanche 5, Wild 2 | Recap
Game 3: Wild 5, Avalanche 1 | Recap
Game 4: Avalanche 5, Wild 2 | Recap
Game 5: Wednesday, May 12 | at COL | 8 p.m. | TNT
*Game 6: Friday, May 15 | at MIN | 8 p.m. | ESPN
*Game 7: Sunday, May 17 | at COL | TBD | TNT

(1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (3) Anaheim Ducks
Game 1: Golden Knights 3, Ducks 1 | Recap
Game 2: Ducks 3, Golden Knights 1 | Recap
Game 3: Golden Knights 6, Ducks 2 | Recap
Game 4: Ducks 4, Golden Knights 3 | Recap
Game 5: Golden Knights 3, Ducks 2 (OT) | Recap
Game 6: Tuesday, May 14 | at ANA | 9:30 p.m. | TNT
*Game 7: Saturday, May 16 | at VGK | 5 p.m. | ESPN

Follow CBS Sports for the complete schedule, results, and broadcast updates.