The first three days of the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs saw nine games decided by fewer than three goals, including two that went beyond regulation and two that resulted in a two-goal margin. The first Game 2 match features the Tampa Bay Lightning hosting the Montreal Canadiens, who secured home-ice advantage in the series with a 4-3 overtime win. The Buffalo Sabres are seeking a 2-0 series advantage against the Boston Bruins, while the Vegas Golden Knights won 4-2. The final game will see the Presidents' Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche welcome the Los Angeles Kings. Players such as Jake Guentzel and Juraj Slafkovsky are considered best bets for Tuesday's NHL playoff games.