Samwise NHL & Hockey Newsletter
Friday, May 1, 2026
Carlsson, Terry, Kreider Each Notch Three Points as Ducks Eliminate Oilers in Game 6
The Anaheim Ducks advanced to the Western Conference Second Round for the first time since 2017, eliminating the Edmonton Oilers 5-2 in Game 6 on Thursday night at Honda Center. Leo Carlsson, Troy Terry, and Chris Kreider each recorded a goal and two assists to power the victory. Lukas Dostal made 25 saves as Anaheim closed out the series 4-2. Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl finished as the series’ points leader with 10 (three goals, seven assists), but the Oilers’ early exit raises immediate questions about the franchise’s direction. Anaheim scored three goals in the first period and never trailed.
Sources: NHL.com
Quinn Hughes Stars as Wild Eliminate Stars in Game 6, End 11-Year Series Win Drought
Quinn Hughes scored twice and added an assist, and Kirill Kaprizov chipped in a goal and an assist, as the Minnesota Wild eliminated the Dallas Stars 5-2 in Game 6 of the Western Conference First Round on Thursday at Grand Casino Arena. The win is the Wild’s first playoff series victory in 11 years. Michael McCarron and Kaprizov added insurance goals in the third period as Minnesota closed out the best-of-seven series 4-2. Jesper Wallstedt made 22 saves for the Wild. Wyatt Johnston and Mavrik Bourque scored for Dallas. Minnesota will face either the Golden Knights or Utah Mammoth in the second round.
Sources: NHL.com
Three First-Round Series Reach Potential Clinching Moments as Game 6 Triple-Header Fills Friday
Three NHL first-round series reach potential clinching moments on Friday, with the three teams holding 3-2 leads needing one more win to advance. In the Eastern Conference, the Montreal Canadiens host the Tampa Bay Lightning, holding a 3-2 advantage and chasing their first second-round berth since 2021. Dobes has been outstanding, stopping 38 shots in Game 5. The Buffalo Sabres visit Boston with a 3-2 series lead but must manage without the injured Noah Ostlund. In the West, Vegas holds a 3-2 edge over the Utah Mammoth following Brett Howden’s shorthanded double-overtime winner in Game 5 on Wednesday.
Sources: NHL.com
Ostlund Out Indefinitely for Sabres as Norris Slots In Ahead of Tonight’s Game 6 in Boston
Buffalo Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed Friday that center Noah Ostlund will miss a period of time after sustaining a lower-body injury during Game 5 against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night. Ostlund was hurt in a battle along the boards with Casey Mittelstadt in the first period and did not return. “The news wasn’t good,” Ruff said at Friday’s practice skate. Josh Norris will slot back in at third-line center between Zach Benson and Josh Doan for tonight’s Game 6 at TD Garden, where the Sabres carry a 3-2 series lead and can advance to the second round with a win.
Sources: NHL.com
Flyers Face Stiff Test in Round 2 After Upsetting Penguins, Will Meet Top-Seed Hurricanes
The Philadelphia Flyers will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Second Round after eliminating the Pittsburgh Penguins via Cam York’s overtime goal Wednesday night. Tortorella called it a “clean slate” for his young group, which relied heavily on both York and Matvei Michkov throughout the six-game series. Dan Vladar stopped 42 shots in the decisive Game 6. Carolina swept the Ottawa Senators in four games, outscoring them 11-5, and carries extra rest into the matchup as the East’s No. 1 seed. Philadelphia advances to the second round for the first time since 2020.
Sources: NHL.com
Hellebuyck’s “Only Thing Left Is a Stanley Cup” Comments Fuel Trade Speculation in Winnipeg
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck delivered pointed end-of-season remarks that have intensified trade speculation around the two-time Vezina Trophy winner. After the Jets finished 23-23-11 and missed the playoffs, Hellebuyck called the club’s performance “unacceptable” and stated that winning a Stanley Cup was the only remaining goal on his resume. His save percentage dropped to .895, the first time in his career it fell below .900. The comments, reported by The Hockey News, were interpreted by columnist Mike McIntyre as a signal that Hellebuyck’s Jets tenure may be nearing its end. He has five years and $8.5 million annually remaining on his deal.
Sources: The Hockey News
Oilers’ First-Round Exit to Ducks Amplifies Questions About McDavid-Draisaitl Stanley Cup Window
The Edmonton Oilers’ first-round exit to the Anaheim Ducks, dropping a 4-2 series, has prompted reflection at Rogers Place on a difficult 2025-26 campaign. Leon Draisaitl led the Oilers with 10 points over six games, yet his individual output proved insufficient against a Ducks team that controlled the pace throughout. Draisaitl was candid in defeat, noting the Ducks are good at getting pucks to the right spots and know how to play the right way. With McDavid entering his age-29 season in 2026-27, time is a relevant factor. The franchise’s front office faces a significant offseason assessment of its roster and competitive direction.
Sources: NHL.com
Stanley Cup Playoffs — First Round
Eastern Conference
Hurricanes vs. Senators — Hurricanes win 4–0
Flyers vs. Penguins — Flyers win 4–2
Sabres vs. Bruins — Sabres lead 3–2 (Game 6 tonight)
Canadiens vs. Lightning — Canadiens lead 3–2 (Game 6 tonight)
Western Conference
Avalanche vs. Kings — Avalanche win 4–0
Wild vs. Stars — Wild win 4–2
Ducks vs. Oilers — Ducks win 4–2
Golden Knights vs. Mammoth — Golden Knights lead 3–2 (Game 6 tonight)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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