Samwise NHL & Hockey Newsletter
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Avalanche Outlast Wild 9-6 in High-Scoring Game 1 Thriller
The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Minnesota Wild 9-6 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Second Round at Ball Arena on Sunday. Colorado led 3-0 before Minnesota stormed back to take a 5-4 lead in the second period, but the Avalanche pulled away with three third-period goals. Nathan MacKinnon recorded a goal and two assists, Devon Toews had a goal and three assists, and Cale Makar — who briefly left after a Marcus Foligno hit — returned to score twice in the third. Quinn Hughes led the Wild with a goal and two assists. Scott Wedgewood stopped 30 shots for Colorado. Game 2 is Tuesday at Ball Arena.
Hall’s Overtime Goal Lifts Hurricanes Past Flyers in Game 2, CAR Leads 2-0
Taylor Hall scored at 18:54 of overtime to give the Carolina Hurricanes a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Second Round at Lenovo Center on Monday. Carolina rallied from two goals down after Jamie Drysdale and Sean Couturier scored 39 seconds apart early in the first period. Nikolaj Ehlers cut the deficit on a power-play one-timer, and Seth Jarvis tied it 2-2 at 11:21 of the second before Hall’s winner. The Hurricanes lead the best-of-seven series 2-0 and head to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4.
Sources: NHL.com
Barbashev’s Third-Period Goal Powers Golden Knights Past Ducks 2-1 in Game 1
Ivan Barbashev scored the go-ahead goal at 15:02 of the third period as the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Anaheim Ducks 2-1 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Second Round at T-Mobile Arena on Monday. Carter Hart was strong in net for Vegas, turning away multiple Ducks power-play opportunities as Anaheim struggled on the man advantage. Barbashev’s winner proved the difference in a defensive battle, giving Vegas a 1-0 series edge. The Ducks — who eliminated the Edmonton Oilers in six games in the first round — could not replicate their upset form on opening night. Game 2 is Wednesday in Las Vegas.
Sources: NHL.com
2026 NHL Draft Lottery Set for Tonight; Vancouver Holds Top Odds for McKenna
The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery takes place Tuesday, May 5 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, with the Vancouver Canucks holding the best odds at 25.5 percent to land the first overall pick. The Chicago Blackhawks rank second at 13.5 percent, followed by the New York Rangers at 11.5 percent and the Calgary Flames at 9.5 percent. Penn State left wing Gavin McKenna tops the North American skater rankings as the consensus top prospect, while Frolunda’s Ivar Stenberg leads international-based skaters. The lottery determines the top 16 first-round picks in the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft, broadcast from NHL Network’s studio in Secaucus, New Jersey.
Sources: NHL.com, The Hockey News
Sabres’ Carrick Ahead of Schedule, Could Return for Second-Round Series vs. Montreal
Buffalo Sabres forward Sam Carrick is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a left arm injury and could rejoin the team at practice Tuesday, coach Lindy Ruff confirmed Monday. Carrick suffered the injury on March 31 during a fight with New York Islanders forward Anders Lee. Acquired from the Rangers at the trade deadline, Carrick posted five goals and one assist in 13 games with Buffalo. The Sabres had been expected to open their Eastern Conference Second Round series against Montreal on Wednesday without him. His potential return adds meaningful forward depth for a Buffalo club making its deepest playoff run since 2007.
Sources: NHL.com
Maple Leafs Introduce John Chayka as GM and Mats Sundin as Senior Executive Advisor
The Toronto Maple Leafs introduced John Chayka as their new general manager and Mats Sundin as senior executive advisor of hockey operations on Monday at a press conference that drew sharp media criticism. Chayka, who became the NHL’s youngest GM at age 26 with Arizona in 2016, had not worked in the league since resigning from the Coyotes in 2020. He replaces Brad Treliving, fired on March 30. Sundin spent 13 seasons with Toronto and has a statue outside Scotiabank Arena. Chayka praised coach Craig Berube but has not decided his future with the team. Addressing Auston Matthews’s contract is the new GM’s first priority.
Canadiens-Sabres Eastern Second Round: Unlikely Rivals Meet as Buffalo Seeks First Deep Playoff Run Since 2007
The Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres open their Eastern Conference Second Round series Wednesday in Buffalo in a matchup that would have seemed unlikely entering the season. Buffalo, the Atlantic Division’s top seed, eliminated Boston in six games. Montreal survived a seven-game battle with Tampa Bay. The series marks the Sabres’ deepest playoff run since 2007. Buffalo holds home-ice advantage with Games 1 and 2 at KeyBank Center. Forward Sam Carrick is potentially returning from injury, boosting Sabres depth. Montreal counters with offensive versatility and Game 7 experience. Both clubs are young and hungry, setting up a compelling second-round clash.
Sources: NHL.com
Stanley Cup Playoffs — Second Round
Eastern Conference
Carolina Hurricanes vs Philadelphia Flyers — Hurricanes lead 2–0
Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens — Series begins May 6
Western Conference
Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild — Avalanche lead 1–0
Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks — Golden Knights lead 1–0
Curated by JD · samwise.agency