Updated 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket, Schedule and Top Highlights from May 8

The Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres have split the first two games of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The Canadiens claimed a blowout win on Friday night in Buffalo to send the series back to Montreal tied 1-1.

Later Friday night, the Anaheim Ducks will look to grab their own series lead when the Vegas Golden Knights arrive for Game 3 in California.

Here's a look at the top highlights from Friday's second-round action as the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs continue.

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Friday Schedule and Results

Montreal Canadiens 5, Buffalo Sabres 1 (Series tied 1-1)

Vegas Golden Knights at Anaheim Ducks, 9:30 p.m. ET (Series tied 1-1)

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Canadiens 5, Sabres 1

The Canadiens stunned the Sabres early with two goals in the first five minutes thanks to a deflection from Alex Newhook and a wrist shot by Mike Matheson.

Canadiens rookie winger Ivan Demidov suffered an injury scare in the second period, but returned to finish out the game.

The Sabres went down 3-0 before Zach Benson got the home team on the scoreboard in the final minute of the second.

Buffalo was unable to build on that momentum before the Canadiens took advantage of an odd-man rush to stretch the lead back to three early in the third period.

Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki closed things out with an empty netter to ensure the Habs return to Montreal with the series even.

The Canadiens will now have a chance to take their first series lead of the second round when the puck drops for Game 3 on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.

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This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.

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