The Montreal Canadiens clinched victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning across a grueling seven-game series in the first round of the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs, thereby securing the final spot in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs bracket.
With Montreal advancing to the NHL’s second round, all contenders vying for the 2026 Stanley Cup quarterfinals have now been determined.
In the Eastern Conference, the Canadiens will face the Buffalo Sabres in the second round; the remaining matchup pits the Carolina Hurricanes against the Philadelphia Flyers (Carolina currently leads the series one game to none). Out West, the Colorado Avalanche is set to take on the Minnesota Wild, while the Vegas Golden Knights will clash with the Anaheim Ducks.
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