Day four of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs featured thrilling games, with three teams tying their series at 1-1 and the Presidentsā Trophy winners taking a 2-0 lead. Notable performances included Brandon Hagel of the Lightning and discussions about the Canucks' GM search.
Day four of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs certainly did not disappoint, with all four games coming down to the wire, and two requiring overtime. In the end, three teams found a way to even up their respective first-round series at 1-1 with clutch Game 2 victories, while the Presidentsā Trophy winners grabbed a 2-0 stranglehold.
Around the league, the Canucks have been linked to a former NHL general manager for their vacant position, Sunny Mehtaās poker face in New Jersey, and a reflection on Michael Misaās rookie season in San Jose.
All that & more in the Daily!
Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Rumors
Chicago Hockey Now: While the Blackhawks might not have finished where they wanted in the standings once again this season, there was plenty of positivity shared about the future during the teamās exit interviews on Thursday. Head coach Jeff Blashill and GM Kyle Davidson were both excited by the growth shown from the young core and the camaraderie established in the locker room.
Q&A
What were the results of the Stanley Cup Playoff games on day four?
Three teams evened their series at 1-1, while the Presidentsā Trophy winners took a 2-0 lead.
Who performed notably in the recent Tampa Bay Lightning game?
Brandon Hagel had a standout performance for the Tampa Bay Lightning, drawing attention on social media.
What is the latest news regarding the Vancouver Canucks' general manager search?
The Canucks have been linked to a former NHL general manager as they search for a replacement.
Which teams are currently tied in their playoff series?
Three teams are tied at 1-1 in their respective playoff series after the latest games.
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More CHN: Players like Connor Bedard, Anton Frondell, Frank Nazar, and more reflected on the ups and downs from the season during their respective exit interviews, while also touching on some of their offseason plans for the summer. Here are all the notable takeaways from the Blackhawksā final media session until next fall.
While watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs from his hotel room, TNT studio analyst Paul Bissonette fired two chirps at the Blackhawks via Twitter/X on Tuesday. Brandon Hagel, who the Blackhawks traded to Tampa Bay back in March 2022, recorded a Gordie Howe hat trick in Game 2 against the Montreal Canadiens, and āBizā let the Blackhawks hear about it.
Hagel has blossomed into one heck of a player for the Bolts, and some Blackhawks fans are still salty about the decision to trade him four years ago. But as a reminder, the Connor Bedard Sweepstakes in the 2022-23 campaign was likely not won by Chicago without trading players like Hagel, Patrick Kane, and Alex DeBrincat.
As painful/frustrating as it may be for some to see what Hagel has become in Tampa Bay, the Blackhawksā cornerstone piece of their rebuild wouldnāt be here without that decision. Plus, Oliver Moore and Sacha Boisvert, the players drafted by Davidson with the first-round picks retained in the Hagel deal, have the chance to be key pieces of the turnaround.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: Could former Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams already return to a front-office role? The Vancouver Canucks have reportedly requested to speak with Adams for their vacant GM position. Adams was fired by Buffalo and replaced by Jarmo Kekalainen after a 14-14-4 start to the season, when the team was tied for last place in the Eastern Conference.
Montreal Hockey Now: The Montreal Canadiens let an opportunity to take a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning slip out of their grasp in Game 2 on Tuesday. The Habs couldnāt hang on to a 2-1 lead in the third period and eventually fell 3-2 in overtime, with JJ Moser netting the game-winner for the Bolts.
Boston Hockey Now: Going home tied. The Boston Bruins picked up a massive 4-2 road win over the Buffalo Sabres in Game 2 to even the series at 1-1. Viktor Arvidsson scored twice, while Morgan Geekie and Pavel Zacha also found the back of the net, helping the Bruins jump out to a 4-0 advantage that the Sabres couldnāt overcome.
NHL.com: Just two days after scoring the first Stanley Cup Playoff goal in franchise history, Logan Cooley buried the game-winner in Game 2 against the Vegas Golden Knights in the third period, lifting the Utah Mammoth to a 3-2 victory. The first-round series between Utah and Vegas is now tied 1-1.
Colorado Hockey Now: Another low-scoring affair ensured in Game 2 between the Colorado Avalanche and the Los Angeles Kings. Nicolas Roy, acquired at the trade deadline, was the overtime hero for the Avs, scoring the game-winner to put the Presidentsā Trophy winners ahead 2-0 in the series. For the second game in a row, Artemi Panarin was the lone goal scorer for the Kings.
New Jersey Hockey Now: Thereās a new shot-caller for the New Jersey Devils. New GM Sunny Mehta was introduced on Tuesday, and here are three critical takeaways from his first press conference.
San Jose Hockey Now: San Jose Sharks 2025 No. 2 overall pick Michael Misa showed plenty of promise during his rookie season, but heās ready to show a lot more next year. Misa is excited to show āthe real meā in the 2026-27 campaign.
