Samwise NHL & Hockey Newsletter
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Ducks Score Four in Third Period to Defeat Oilers 7–4 in Game 3
The Anaheim Ducks erupted for four goals in the third period to defeat the Edmonton Oilers 7–4 in Game 3 of their Western Conference First Round series Friday at Honda Center, taking a 2–1 series lead. Beckett Sennecke and Leo Carlsson scored just 42 seconds apart to ignite the late surge. Connor McDavid recorded his first points of the 2026 playoffs with a goal and an assist for Edmonton, but the Oilers could not withstand Anaheim’s relentless third-period push. The young Ducks, considered heavy underdogs entering the series, have now won back-to-back games after dropping Game 1. Game 4 continues in Anaheim.
Sources: NHL.com
Mammoth Make History with First Playoff Home Win, Top Golden Knights 4–2 in Game 3
The Utah Mammoth won the first home Stanley Cup Playoff game in franchise history, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 4–2 in Game 3 of their Western Conference First Round series Thursday at Delta Center. Lawson Crouse scored twice in a 5:42 span during the second period to seize control for Utah. The Mammoth, in only their second NHL season, now hold a 2–1 series lead over the defending conference finalists. Carter Hart, the Golden Knights starter, was pulled after allowing four goals on eight shots. Utah’s historic night drew a raucous crowd and marks a significant step in building playoff culture for the young expansion franchise.
Sources: NHL.com
Hutson’s Overtime Goal Gives Canadiens 3–2 Win Over Lightning in All-OT Series
Lane Hutson scored at 2:09 of overtime, lifting the Montreal Canadiens to a 3–2 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference First Round Friday at Bell Centre, giving Montreal a 2–1 series lead. Hutson fired a slap shot through traffic from above the right face-off circle, converting a feed from Alexandre Texier out of the corner. Texier and Kirby Dach each contributed a goal and an assist for the Canadiens, while Jakub Dobes made 15 saves. Brandon Hagel and Brayden Point scored for Tampa Bay. All three games of the series have been decided in overtime.
Hurricanes Chase First-Round Sweep as Ottawa Faces Game 4 Without Sanderson and Zub
The Carolina Hurricanes enter Saturday’s Game 4 in Ottawa looking to complete a first-round sweep, leading the series 3–0 after a 2–1 road win Wednesday. The situation is further complicated for Ottawa, who will be without defensemen Jake Sanderson (concussion, sustained in Game 3) and Artem Zub (injury from Game 1). Logan Stankoven has scored in all three games, totaling three goals and one assist alongside linemates Taylor Hall and Blake, who have combined for 10 series points. Frederik Andersen recorded a shutout in Game 1 and has been sharp throughout. Game 4 is at 3 p.m. ET at Canadian Tire Centre.
Sources: NHL.com
Sabres Grab 2–1 Series Lead in Boston; Ostlund Returns from Injury in 3–1 Win
Alex Tuch scored the go-ahead goal in the third period and Noah Ostlund added an empty-netter in his return from injury as the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Boston Bruins 3–1 in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference First Round series Thursday at TD Garden, taking a 2–1 series lead. Bowen Byram also scored for Buffalo. Tanner Jeannot tallied Boston’s lone goal while Jeremy Swayman stopped 25 of 27 shots for the Bruins. Alex Lyon made 24 saves in his first playoff start of the series for the Sabres. Ostlund had been sidelined since March 25 with an upper-body injury. Game 4 is Sunday afternoon at TD Garden.
Sources: NHL.com
Avalanche Take 3–0 Series Lead Over Kings, Move to Brink of Sweep
Artturi Lehkonen scored a shorthanded goal in the third period as the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4–2 in Game 3 of their Western Conference First Round series Thursday at Crypto.com Arena, pushing their series lead to 3–0. Lehkonen’s marker at 7:39 of the third extended Colorado’s advantage to 3–1. Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar, and Brock Nelson also scored for the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche, while Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves. Adrian Kempe and Trevor Moore replied for Los Angeles. Colorado can eliminate the Kings and advance to the second round with a Game 4 victory Sunday in Los Angeles.
Sources: NHL.com
Maple Leafs Trade Buzz Intensifies for Knies and Rielly Following GM Treliving’s Dismissal
Trade speculation surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs has intensified following the dismissal of general manager Brad Treliving. Left winger Matthew Knies, 23, has drawn interest from the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres, with Toronto’s asking price reportedly ranging from two first-round picks and a prospect to three high-quality prospects, according to The Hockey News. Defenseman Morgan Rielly, 32, has also been connected to several Western Conference teams, most notably the San Jose Sharks, though Rielly holds a full no-movement clause and has stated his desire to remain a Maple Leaf. Toronto missed the playoffs and will undergo a significant front-office rebuild this offseason.
Sources: The Hockey News
Stanley Cup Playoffs — First Round (as of April 25)
Eastern Conference
Canadiens vs. Lightning — Montreal leads 2–1
Hurricanes vs. Senators — Carolina leads 3–0
Flyers vs. Penguins — Philadelphia leads 3–0
Sabres vs. Bruins — Buffalo leads 2–1
Western Conference
Stars vs. Wild — Dallas leads 2–1
Mammoth vs. Golden Knights — Utah leads 2–1
Ducks vs. Oilers — Anaheim leads 2–1
Avalanche vs. Kings — Colorado leads 3–0
Curated by JD · samwise.agency