Week 1 is done. Three teams are one win from sweeps, and the bracket already has two stories nobody saw coming.
One week into the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and the bracket is already delivering. Three series look like they could be over before the weekend. Two teams that were supposed to lose are winning instead. This is why we watch.
Here is everything that happened in Week 1.
Three Sweeps Within Reach
Colorado Avalanche lead Los Angeles Kings 3-0
Nobody is surprised, but it has still been impressive to watch. Colorado has been dominant in all three games — MacKinnon and Makar doing exactly what you expected them to do, and the Kings have had no answer. Los Angeles has competed, but there is a significant talent gap in this series and it is showing up on the scoreboard every night. Avalanche are closing this out in Game 4.
Philadelphia Flyers lead Pittsburgh Penguins 3-0
This one hurts if you picked Pittsburgh. The Flyers have been the better team in every game and are on the verge of pulling off what would have been considered a mild upset before the series started. Pittsburgh has looked slow and disorganized, never finding any consistent offensive rhythm. If the Penguins have any pride left, they come out and win Game 4 — but this series feels done.
Carolina Hurricanes lead Ottawa Senators 3-0
Rod Brind'Amour's team is doing Rod Brind'Amour things. Carolina has locked down the Senators defensively, held them to almost nothing in transition, and controlled every game from start to finish. Ottawa had a strong regular season, but the step up in competition has been stark. The Hurricanes are playing their best hockey and they are not slowing down.
The Two Big Upsets
Utah Mammoth lead Vegas Golden Knights 2-1
Nobody had this. Utah — a franchise in just its second NHL season, playing in their first ever playoff series — is leading Vegas two games to one. The Mammoth are playing with zero fear, their goaltending has been exceptional, and they are getting contributions up and down the lineup. Vegas has looked rattled at times, which is not something you normally say about a Golden Knights playoff team. Utah has earned everything they've gotten. If they steal Game 4, this series gets very interesting very fast.
Anaheim Ducks lead Edmonton Oilers 2-1
Edmonton won Game 1 at home and looked in control. Then Anaheim took Game 2 to tie the series, and in Game 3 the Ducks blew the doors off with a 7-4 win to take the series lead. Cutter Gauthier has been a problem and the Ducks are getting contributions nobody expected. McDavid and Draisaitl are still out there but the Oilers have not been able to impose their style. Anaheim has earned everything they've gotten and Game 4 in their building is a massive opportunity to go up 3-1.
Competitive Series
Buffalo Sabres lead Boston Bruins 2-1
This series has had a little of everything. Buffalo rallied with four goals late in the third period to steal Game 1, then Boston responded with a clean 4-2 win in Game 2. The Sabres took Game 3 on the road 3-1 behind Alex Tuch's go-ahead goal to take the series lead. Buffalo is doing exactly what they needed to do against a Bruins team that knows how to win in the playoffs. Sabres have the edge but nothing about this one is settled.
Montreal Canadiens lead Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1
The Canadiens have been the better team through three games, which is not something many people predicted. Tampa Bay is getting contributions from Kucherov, but the Lightning as a whole have not been sharp. Montreal is capitalizing on Tampa's mistakes and playing with a confidence level that is making this series genuinely compelling.
Dallas Stars lead Minnesota Wild 2-1
Classic grind of a series. Dallas has the lead but the Wild are not going away. Both teams are playing tight, defensive hockey with very few giveaways and very few big moments. Stars have the edge in experience and that should matter late in the series.
Looking Ahead to Week 2
Three elimination games are coming — and at least one of those near-sweep teams is going to find a way to survive and force a Game 5. The bigger story is Utah and Anaheim. If the Mammoth win Game 4, Vegas is in genuine trouble. If the Ducks win Game 4, Oilers fans are going to be in full panic mode.
Week 2 is going to be loud.
Make your picks in Crystal Ball Picks and follow every NHL playoff game as the first round unfolds.
