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Flyers winning the East? Sabres cooked? Judging early Stanley Cup playoff overreactions
The hot takes are flying after the opening games. We hand down a verdict on all of them.
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Stanley Cup playoffs daily: Critical Game 3 on tap for Bruins, Sabres
Here's a preview for all of Thursday's games, plus a best bet and a recap of Wednesday's thrillers.
TOP HEADLINES
STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS
OFFSEASON FOCUS
Keys to the offseason: Free agency and draft plans for every eliminated NHL team
We explore the next moves each team should make this summer and forecast expectations for 2026-27.
Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
West 1st Round - Game 3DAL leads series 2-1
Wyatt Johnston wins it in double overtime for Dallas
0:35
Matt Duchene ties score for Dallas
0:55
J.J. McCarthy fired up as Marcus Johansson scores for Wild
1:01
Michael McCarron rips first playoff goal to put Wild ahead
0:49
Joel Eriksson Ek brings Stars level vs. Stars
0:56
Jason Robertson puts Stars up 2-0
0:45
Mikko Rantanen strikes first to spark Stars early
0:24
BEST OF STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS
11 minor penalties lead to a Trevor Zegras power-play goal in Philly's win
1:31
Cutter Gauthier scores swiftly as Ducks even series vs. Oilers
0:52
ALL ABOUT THE POSTSEASON
How the 'Lumber Yard' was built: Inside the Avalanche's goaltending tandem
The professional lives of Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood intersected twice before suiting up together for Colorado.
Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images
Ranking the top 50 players in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs
As 16 teams face off for the ultimate prize in pro sports, these players will have the biggest impact.
TRENDING IN HOCKEY
Utah Mammoth offer jersey exchange for local Golden Knight fans at Game 3
On a first-come basis, fans can exchange their Golden Knights jerseys for a 2025-26 Mammoth home jersey.
(Photo by Zak Krill/NHLI via Getty Images)
SPORTS BETTING
Stanley Cup first-round betting guide: A bet and Conn Smythe prediction for every team
Odds, Conn Smythe Trophy picks and future bets for every first-round matchup in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.
ESPN Illustration
Top Headlines
- Johnston's deflection gives Stars 2OT win vs. Wild
- Pens on brink, sound off on game-changing melee
- Ducks tie series; Oilers' McDavid escapes injury
- Kings coach hit by shattered glass as panel breaks
- Bruins 'played to our identity' in Game 2 victory
- Lightning end home playoff skid at 4, knot series
- Kraken CEO: Botterill 'not threatened' by audit
- Mehta vows to focus on process as new Devils GM
- 👕 Utah offers jersey exchange for Vegas fans
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Ranking the top 50 players in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs
As 16 teams face off for the ultimate prize in pro sports, these players will have the biggest impact.
- Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
NHL teams' offseason keys, including free agency, draft needs
We explore the next moves each team should make this summer and forecast expectations for 2026-27.
- Mike Carlson/Getty Images
NHL Awards Watch: Who's leading for Hart, Norris, Calder?
Our panel of PHWA voters identify their finalists for all the awards, with some tight finishes in a few spots.
- Utah Mammoth
Meet the 'Zammoth': Utah Mammoths' prehistoric-like ride for fans
The "Zammoth" attraction is designed to transport fans around the Delta Center ice during pregame and intermissions.
- David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images
Who will win the Stanley Cup after an Olympic gold medal?
Only eight players have pulled off the feat in the same season. Who are the most likely "double champs?"
