Favorites
Customise ESPN
ESPN Apps
ESPN Sites
Stanley Cup playoffs daily: Can the Ducks, Wild move on to Round 2?
Here are previews for Thursday's games, a best bet, recaps from Wednesday and updated stats.
TOP HEADLINES
WEDNESDAY'S BEST
Cam York's laser finish gives Flyers OT win to clinch series
Vegas fans erupt on Brett Howden's 2OT winner to take Game 5
STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS SCOREBOARD
OFFSEASON GUIDE
Keys to the offseason: Free agency and draft plans for Penguins, every eliminated NHL team
We explore the next moves each team should make this summer and forecast expectations for 2026-27.
NHL
The NHL's best plays from a wild Wednesday
Look back at the best plays from an exciting Wednesday night of the NHL playoffs.
NHL
Stanley Cup Playoffs Central: Bracket, schedule, scores, news
From the first round all the way through the Stanley Cup Final, ESPN has you covered this NHL postseason.
NHL
Texier breaks 3rd-period tie, Canadiens beat Lightning 3-2 in Game 5 to take series lead
— Alexandre Texier broke a tie 1:06 into the third period and the Montreal Canadiens beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 on Wednesday night to take a 3-2 lead in the first-round series.
Top Headlines
- Flyers eliminate Penguins in 6 on York's OT winner
- Crosby hopes Penguins 'family' stays together
- Howden's short-handed goal in 2OT lifts Vegas
- Senators' Tkachuk: Trade talk 'getting frustrating'
- Sorokin, Swayman, Vasilevskiy finalists for Vezina
- Stars' Benn fined for Game 5 cross-check vs. Wild
- 🤔 Keys to offseason for Penguins and more teams
Customise ESPN
Trending Now
- Illustration by ESPN
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.
- Jeanine Leech/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?"
