NHL Playoff Roundup: Avalanche Stunned as Ducks and Oilers Advance in First Round

The 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs delivered dramatic outcomes in the Western Conference on Sunday, as the Colorado Avalanche completed a first-round sweep of the Los Angeles Kings, while the Anaheim Ducks edged the Edmonton Oilers in overtime to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. The results have reshaped the playoff landscape, with two top-seeded teams facing elimination and one legendary career coming to a close.

Avalanche Dominate Kings in Series-Clinching Victory

The Colorado Avalanche, the top seed in the Western Conference, secured their place in the second round with a decisive 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings in Game 4. The victory marked the first series sweep of the 2026 playoffs and sent the Avalanche to the next round, where they will await the winner of the Dallas Stars-Minnesota Wild series, currently tied 2-2.

Nathan MacKinnon, who led the NHL with 53 goals during the regular season, broke through with his first two postseason goals, adding an assist in the process. Defenseman Cale Makar, forward Nicolas Roy, and defenseman Devon Toews also found the back of the net for Colorado, while goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves to secure the win.

The Kings, playing their final game at Crypto.com Arena this season, mounted little resistance in the third period. With their backs against the wall and trailing by three goals, Los Angeles pulled goaltender Anton Forsberg with 5:48 remaining in the game. However, MacKinnon sealed the victory just 20 seconds later, capping off a dominant performance by the Avalanche.

The loss marked the end of an era for the Kings, as it was the final game for longtime captain Anze Kopitar. The 38-year-old center, who announced his retirement prior to the playoffs, played 20 seasons for Los Angeles and led the franchise to two Stanley Cup championships (2012 and 2014). As the game wound down, Kings fans stood and chanted in appreciation of Kopitar’s contributions to the team.

“Anze Kopitar’s leadership and skill have been the backbone of this franchise for two decades,” said Kings head coach Todd McLellan in a post-game press conference. “His legacy is secure, and we thank him for everything he’s given to this organization.”

Ducks Stun Oilers in Overtime, Push Edmonton to the Brink

In another Western Conference showdown, the Anaheim Ducks overcame a deficit to defeat the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in overtime, taking a 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven first-round series. The win puts the Ducks one victory away from advancing to the second round, while the Oilers now face elimination in Game 5.

Ryan Poehling scored the game-winning goal in overtime, capping off a dramatic comeback for Anaheim. The Ducks trailed 3-2 late in the third period before Jeffery Viel tied the game with just 1:12 remaining in regulation, sending the contest to extra time. Poehling’s heroics in overtime sent the Honda Center into a frenzy and left the Oilers on the verge of an early playoff exit.

Cutter Gauthier, Mikael Granlund, and Viel also scored for Anaheim, while defensemen John Carlson and Jackson Lacombe each contributed two assists. Goaltender Lukas Dostal made 24 saves, including several critical stops in the final minutes of regulation and overtime.

The Oilers, led by superstar Connor McDavid, struggled to capitalize on their offensive opportunities. McDavid, who recorded two assists, has now tallied 50 multi-point playoff games in his career, but his efforts were not enough to overcome Anaheim’s resilience. Edmonton’s power play, which had been a strength during the regular season, went 0-for-4 on the night.

“We didn’t play our best game, and credit to Anaheim—they found a way to win,” said Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch. “We have to be better in Game 5. There’s no other option.”

The Oilers’ struggles have been a focal point of the series, as they entered the playoffs as one of the favorites to contend for the Stanley Cup. However, inconsistent goaltending and defensive lapses have plagued the team, raising questions about their ability to make a deep postseason run.

Playoff Picture: What’s Next?

With the Avalanche advancing to the second round, the Western Conference playoff bracket is beginning to take shape. Colorado will face the winner of the Dallas Stars-Minnesota Wild series, which is currently tied 2-2. The Stars and Wild are set to play Game 5 on Tuesday, with the series hanging in the balance.

In the Eastern Conference, the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche remain the only teams to sweep their first-round series. The Hurricanes, the top seed in the East, completed their sweep of the Ottawa Senators with a 4-0 series victory. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers lead the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1, the Buffalo Sabres hold a 3-1 advantage over the Boston Bruins, and the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens are tied 2-2 in their series.

The NHL playoffs continue to deliver high-stakes drama, with several series hanging in the balance. The Ducks and Oilers will face off again in Game 5 on Tuesday, with Edmonton fighting to stave off elimination. Meanwhile, the Avalanche will await their next opponent as they look to build on their strong start to the postseason.

For fans and analysts alike, the 2026 playoffs have already provided unforgettable moments, from overtime heroics to the emotional farewell of one of the league’s most respected players. As the quest for the Stanley Cup intensifies, the remaining teams will look to capitalize on their momentum and avoid becoming the next upset victim.