The best playoffs in all of professional sports, the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, has kicked off for the 2026 season, and the western conference is in full swing. Each team has played at least two games so far, so let’s take a look and see how each series is going so far.
Colorado Avalanche vs Los Angeles Kings
Avalanche leads series 2-0
While on paper this series looks like another sweep watch, in reality it is a lot closer than people were expecting. The first game came to an end after a late goal from the Avalanche, and the second game went to overtime, meaning the Avalanche are being pushed to perform by the team from Los Angeles.
Coming into the series, the Colorado Avalanche were heavy favorites, and were expected to out perform the Kings in each game in the series. That being said, the Kings are performing better than anyone could have expected.
It is now time for Los Angeles to defend home ice against the best team in the league. Their next game will be on Thursday, April 23rd at 7:00 PM PST.
Dallas Stars vs Minnesota Wild
Stars lead series 2-1
After the first game of this series, you would have been in the minority to predict that Dallas would have a lead in the series after three games. The first game was a stomp, where Minnesota came out firing on all cylinders, beating the Stars six to one.
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The Stars did not take that laying down though. The next two games were wins for Dallas, one on home ice and one in Minnesota, giving them the lead in the series. We could be in for a long series. Game three went to overtime, who knows what else we could be in store for.
The next time we’ll see these two face off will be on Saturday, April 25th at 5:30 PM PST.
Las Vegas Golden Knights vs Utah Mammoth
Series tied 1-1
For a first time team against a Stanley Cup winning team, the Utah Mammoth are holding their ground very well so far. Despite dropping their first playoff game in franchise history, the Mammoth have shown up thanks to playoff star Logan Cooley.
Cooley has scored a goal in both games, and that includes the game winner during game two. For the Las Vegas Golden Knights, both Mark Stone and Nic Dowd were the stars for game one. Both scored less than two minutes apart, securing the win for the Golden Knights.
Now the series goes to Utah, where the Mammoth will host their first ever playoff game. You can watch it live on Friday, April 24th, at 6:30 PM PST.
Anaheim Ducks vs Edmonton Oilers
Series tied 1-1
In a bout between a heavyweight, veteran filled roster with the Edmonton Oilers and the young and feisty Anaheim Ducks who have made it back to the playoffs for the first time for the franchise since 2018.
Despite the final score of four to three in the first game, Edmonton had to come back to win, with the tying goal coming from Jason Dickinson, and then Kasperi Kapanen scoring the winning goal.
Game two was a barn burner, but not for Edmonton. The Ducks came back with a vengeance in game two. Not only did they exploit weaknesses in the Oiler’s defense, they scored on a ton of opportunities, finishing the game with a score of six to two, on hostile ice no less.
Will the young team be able to repeat this showing on home ice, or will the veterans on Edmonton show up and teach the younger players what the playoffs is about? You’ll have to find out on Friday, April 24th at 7:00 PM PST.