The second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs delivered two compelling matchups on the night of May 7th, with the Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks each claiming vital victories to shift the momentum in their respective series.
In the Eastern Conference, the Buffalo Sabres hosted the Montreal Canadiens and emerged with a convincing 4-2 victory. This win gives Buffalo an early 1-0 series lead, putting pressure on the Canadiens to respond in the upcoming games. The Sabres' offense clicked at a crucial moment, providing a solid foundation for their playoff run.
Over in the Western Conference, the Anaheim Ducks pulled off a significant upset by defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 3-1 on the road. This result evens their series at one game apiece, resetting the contest and ensuring a tightly contested battle moving forward. The Ducks' defensive effort and opportunistic scoring proved to be the difference against the favored Golden Knights.
These results update the overall picture of the second-round series. In the West, the Colorado Avalanche have taken a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Minnesota Wild, while the Vegas-Anaheim series is now tied 1-1. In the East, the Carolina Hurricanes hold a 2-0 advantage against the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Sabres lead the Canadiens 1-0.
The defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, are watching these developments from the sidelines after their earlier elimination. The quest for the 2026 Stanley Cup continues, with the final series scheduled to conclude in June.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.