Updated 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket, Schedule as Golden Knights Eliminate Ducks

The two remaining second-round series matchups in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs continued on Thursday night.

The Montreal Canadiens took a 3-2 series lead over the Buffalo Sabres with a 6-3 win, while the Vegas Golden Knights eliminated the Anaheim Ducks in six games following a 5-1 victory.

Here's a closer look a Thursday's highlights as well as the upcoming playoff schedule.

Thursday Round 2 Results

Montreal Canadiens 6, Buffalo Sabres 3 (Canadiens lead series 3-2)

Vegas Golden Knights 5, Anaheim Ducks 1 (Golden Knights win series 4-2)

Saturday Round 2 Schedule

Buffalo Sabres at Montreal Canadiens, 8 p.m. ET

Thursday Highlights

Canadiens 6, Sabres 3

Both teams didn't waste time getting on the board, as Buffalo took an early 1-0 lead following Jason Zucker's deflection.

Montreal quickly responded with a snap shot from Cole Caufield, though.

The Canadiens and Sabres went on to trade goals throughout the first period, with Buffalo holding a 3-2 edge heading into the second.

Montreal continued to excel offensively once the next period started, scoring three unanswered goals.

Josh Anderson's snap shot tied the game before Jake Evans' short goal put the Canadiens in front, as Nick Suzuki followed it up with his own snap shot that gave them a 5-3 advantage.

The Sabres weren't able to find the back of the net for the rest of the game, as Montreal scored one more time in the third period to put the finishing touches on the victory.

Buffalo goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was pulled after the second period and replaced by Alex Lyon.

Golden Knights 5, Ducks 1

Vegas set the tone early in the game, as Mitch Marner recorded a between-the-legs goal just over one minute into the first period.

The Golden Knights weren't finished, as Brett Howden and Shea Theodore both scored before the opening period came to a close to give their team a 3-0 lead.

The Ducks attempted to mount a comeback with Mikael Granlund's goal in the second period, but their momentum didn't last long.

Pavel Dorofeyev scored two goals in the third period for Vegas, as Anaheim's first playoff appearance since 2018 ended in the second round.

The Golden Knights will now face the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Final.