The Colorado Avalanche were the first team in the Western Conference to lock up a ticket to the second round in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Meanwhile, the three other first-round series are looking like they’re going the distance. So, let’s catch up on the postseason action while the Avalanche take a breather after sweeping the LA Kings.
Minnesota Wild-Dallas Stars
This series looks like an epic showdown. It’s every bit the war of attrition we anticipated at the beginning of the 2026 NHL playoffs.
Both sides have pounded one another, with injuries piling up. The Wild got a huge 4-2 win in Game 5 in Dallas, giving them a 3-2 series lead. The two clubs will meet on Thursday night in Minnesota for Game 6. The Wild will be looking to close out the series, though Dallas could come back to force a Game 7.
It’s been that kind of a series.
Selfishly, it might be good to see this series go the distance. The Avalanche could easily get a bludgeoned opponent in round two.
Utah Mammoth-Vegas Golden Knights
On the Pacific Division side of the bracket, the Utah Mammoth and Vegas Golden Knights have had one heck of a series. The upstart Mammoth have been a handful for the experienced Knights.
In Game 4, the Golden Knights came back to win the game in overtime. The 5-4 win tied the series at two. With Game 5 on Wednesday night, the winner of that matchup will be looking to take a 3-2 series lead into Game 6.
It’s worth pointing out that whoever emerges from this series could have a clear path to the Western Conference Final.
Edmonton Oilers-Anaheim Ducks
The other Pacific Division series has featured an underwhelming Oilers squad. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl appear to be playing hurt. Their injuries are likely holding back the powerful Edmonton offense from unleashing its full power.
The Ducks, for their part, have been a dynamic team. They’ve made the Oilers look slow at times. The Oilers, down 3-1 in Game 5, came out guns blazing. They quickly put the Ducks in a 3-0 hole, chasing starting goalie Lukas Dostal.
Game 5 is set for Thursday night with the Oilers looking to force a Game 7. Considering how banged up the Oilers have been, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to hope this series goes the full distance.
Should the Ducks drop the Oilers on Thursday night, a potential Ducks-Mammoth second-round series is one Avalanche fans must watch. Potentially facing either one of these young clubs could be a tough challenge for the Avs in the Conference Final.
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