A controversial finish in Anaheim headlines the episode, as the Ducks’ apparent OT winner crossed the goal line but lacked definitive video proof, reigniting calls for puck-tracking technology. However, Edmonton’s inability to hold leads and close out games remains the bigger issue, with concerns also mounting about Connor McDavid’s health and usage. Tampa Bay evened its series with Montreal behind two third-period goals from Brandon Hagel in a physical, back-and-forth matchup that feels destined for seven. The Colorado Avalanche swept Los Angeles to mark the official end of Anze Kopitar’s storied career, leaving the Kings facing key roster questions despite some core pieces in place. Carolina’s sweep of Ottawa was tighter than it looked, with four one-goal games and strong contributions from inexperienced Sens defenders amid injuries, reinforcing optimism about their future. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh staved off elimination after making a goaltending switch to Artūrs Šilovs, but offensive struggles continue and Philadelphia faces a major decision with young star Matvei Michkov likely sitting out Game 5.

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Special teams were a big story in game 2 as Anaheim evened its series with Edmonton at one game apiece. Connor McDavid was held pointless in back-to-back playoff games for the first time since the 2024 Cup Final (Games 6 & 7) and briefly left with an injury, while the Oilers continue to look out of sync playing a looser, Ducks-style game. Dallas took a 2–1 series lead over Minnesota on Wyatt Johnston’s double-OT winner despite a number of bad penalties, with Jake Oettinger and the PK holding firm, while the Wild miss Mats Zuccarello’s presence on the power play. Philadelphia has dominated Pittsburgh to a 3–0 series lead, stifling their speed with a 1-1-3 setup as the Penguins have just four goals (three on the PP) and look older and slower. Ottawa returns home down 2–0 to Carolina after a wild double-OT game, with Linus Ullmark strong in goal but facing a Hurricanes team built on elite team defence; Boston and Buffalo head into Game 3 of a physical, tightly contested series with Boston’s depth and goaltending potentially tipping the balance. Tampa Bay and Montreal’s series grows increasingly heated while Martin St. Louis sticks with his group and holds off inserting Brendan Gallagher. Colorado leads Los Angeles 2-0 despite their offence being limited by the Kings, raising questions about whether the Avs have another gear after a middling finish.

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"O-Dog" Jeff O'Neill filling in for Ray Ferraro to discuss how Ottawa and Carolina delivered a double-OT thriller in Game 2 that’s being overshadowed by a bizarre series of events. An OT goal overturned on a questionable offside call, a dramatic penalty shot save and a redemtion of sorts on the eventual winner; the Sens are 0–10 all-time when going down 0–2 in a series, though there’s confidence they’ll respond at home after Ullmark’s stellar outing. In Edmonton, the Oilers won Game 1 over Anaheim with Leon Draisaitl and Jason Dickinson returing from injury, Dickinson and Kasperi Kapanen each scored twice and Connor Ingram stepped up with a solid effort and key late save. The Oilers managed their first win of the season without a Connor McDavid point, reinforcing the idea that contenders need multiple paths to win. Philadelphia seized control in Pittsburgh with a 2–0 series lead, mixing it up physically—including getting under Sidney Crosby’s skin—while Dallas evened things with Minnesota behind a strong Jake Oettinger performance despite missing Roope Hintz. Looking ahead, Montreal aims to build on a statement Game 1 vs. Tampa Bay, highlighted by Juraj Slafkovský’s hat trick and growing into a key complementary power presence alongside Caufield, Suzuki, and Demidov, while Buffalo looks to carry momentum from a stunning four-goal third-period comeback against Boston—but will need a far better start against a structured Bruins team.

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