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 Presidents’ Trophy winners grabbed a 2-0 stranglehold.
In Blackhawks news, TNT studio analyst Paul Bissonnette fired a shot at the Original Six franchise on social media following a monstrous performance from Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel.
Around the league, the Canucks have been linked to a former NHL general manager for their vacant position, Sunny Mehta’s poker face in New Jersey, and a reflection on Michael Misa’s 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 team’s 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.
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 Blackhawks’ 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 “Biz” 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 Blackhawks’ cornerstone piece of their rebuild wouldn’t 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 couldn’t 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 couldn’t 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 Presidents’ 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: There’s 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 he’s ready to show a lot more next year. Misa is excited to show “the real me” in the 2026-27 campaign.
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