Samwise NHL & Hockey Newsletter
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Blake’s OT Winner Sends Hurricanes to ECF With Historic 8-0 Record
Jackson Blake scored 5:31 into overtime Saturday as the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 to complete a four-game sweep and advance to the Eastern Conference Final. Blake, who finished with two goals, tucked a wrist shot past Dan Vladar after taking a pass from Taylor Hall in the slot. Logan Stankoven also scored for Carolina, which improved to 8-0 in these playoffs — the first team since the 1985 Edmonton Oilers to begin a postseason with eight consecutive wins, and the first to sweep both second-round opponents in the current four-round format. Frederik Andersen made 37 saves. Carolina awaits the winner of the Sabres-Canadiens series in the ECF.
Kaprizov Drives Wild to 5-1 Win Over Avalanche, Cuts Series to 2-1
Kirill Kaprizov scored and added two assists Saturday as the Minnesota Wild defeated the Colorado Avalanche 5-1 in Game 3 at Xcel Energy Center, cutting Colorado’s second-round series lead to 2-1. Kaprizov opened the scoring on a four-on-four sequence and assisted on two power-play goals, moving into the postseason scoring lead with 14 points, surpassing franchise records held by Zach Parise and Mikko Koivu for most multiassist games in Wild playoff history. Colorado starter Scott Wedgewood was pulled 4:23 into the second period after allowing three goals on 12 shots, with Mackenzie Blackwood taking over and stopping 12 of 13 shots in relief.
Carolina’s 8-0 Playoff Start Is NHL History — And Points to Stanley Cup
The Carolina Hurricanes became the fifth franchise in NHL history to win their first eight playoff games after completing their overtime sweep of Philadelphia Saturday. Carolina is the first team to go undefeated through the first two rounds since the current four-round playoff format was established in 1987. Goaltender Frederik Andersen has posted a 1.12 goals-against average and a .950 save percentage over his eight starts, with two shutouts. Carolina has allowed just 10 goals in eight games. Of the 24 previous teams in NHL history to win eight or more consecutive playoff games, 18 went on to capture the Stanley Cup.
Avalanche Face Goaltending Decision After Wedgewood Chased in Game 3 Loss
Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar faces a significant goaltending decision ahead of Game 4 on Monday after Scott Wedgewood was chased from Saturday’s 5-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild just 4:23 into the second period. Wedgewood allowed three goals on 12 shots before Mackenzie Blackwood replaced him; Blackwood stopped 12 of 13 attempts in relief. Saturday’s defeat was Colorado’s first playoff loss of the 2026 postseason. When asked who would start Game 4, Bednar said, “We’ll have a decision to make, but there’s a decision to make every night.” The Avalanche hold a 2-1 series advantage heading into Monday’s game at Xcel Energy Center.
Sabres Shake Off Game 2 Rout and Head to Montreal Seeking Rebound
The Buffalo Sabres practiced with purpose Saturday and departed for Montreal ahead of a pivotal Game 3 tonight, looking to reclaim the upper hand in their 1-1 Eastern Conference Second Round series. Top center Tage Thompson, who went minus-4 and turned the puck over directly for Montreal’s fourth goal in Friday’s 5-1 Game 2 loss, acknowledged he was forcing plays. Coach Lindy Ruff and defenseman Rasmus Dahlin expressed confidence in Thompson’s ability to bounce back, with Dahlin expecting Thompson to be Buffalo’s best player Sunday. Forward Alex Tuch reported the mood was positive after a focused morning skate at KeyBank Center.
Ducks Enter Game 4 Without Gudas and Carlsson as Injuries Mount
The Anaheim Ducks enter Sunday’s Game 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights without captain Radko Gudas and center Leo Carlsson, with Vegas leading the series 2-1. Gudas, 35, suffered a lower-body injury in Game 1 against Edmonton on April 20 and has missed seven games. Carlsson underwent a procedure to address a Morel-Lavallée lesion on his left thigh and is expected to miss three to five weeks. Coach Joel Quenneville said Gudas could be possible for the series without offering a firm timeline. The absences have stripped Anaheim of key offensive and defensive depth as the Ducks attempt to even the series at home.
Second-Round Playoff Picture: Where All Four Series Stand on Sunday
The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs second round reaches its midpoint Sunday with all four series having taken shape. In the East, the Carolina Hurricanes (8-0) swept Philadelphia and wait for the winner of the Sabres-Canadiens series, which is tied 1-1 with Game 3 tonight at Bell Centre. In the West, the Colorado Avalanche lead Minnesota 2-1 following Saturday’s Wild victory, with Game 4 Monday in St. Paul. The Vegas Golden Knights lead Anaheim 2-1 heading into Game 4 also tonight at Honda Center. Carolina is the only team with a series clinch, while all three remaining matchups enter critical third and fourth games.
Stanley Cup Playoffs — Second Round
Eastern Conference
Carolina Hurricanes vs Philadelphia Flyers — Hurricanes win 4–0
Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens — Series tied 1–1
Western Conference
Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild — Avalanche lead 2–1
Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks — Golden Knights lead 2–1
Curated by JD · samwise.agency