The Colorado Avalanche joined the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round as the only two teams to sweep. The Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres both had opportunities to take big leads in their series in the highly skilled Atlantic Division. One of them did, the other didn’t. Also, the Anaheim Ducks pulled off a comeback, capped by a controversial OT game-winner.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — April 27.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche are heading to the second round and they’ll have two days off before practicing on Wednesday to prepare for their next opponent.

Colorado won Game 4 by a final score of 5-1, completing their first series sweep since the 2022 Western Conference Final.

In four games, the Avalanche only gave up five goals. They scored 11 times on goalie Anton Forsberg and another two into an empty net.

Stanley Cup Playoffs Recap

Game 4 Recap — Sabres 6 at Bruins 1 — (BUF leads 3-1)

The Sabres dominated the Bruins early and didn’t let up. They skated to a commanding 6-1 victory and can finish off the top wildcard team in the Eastern Conference in five games at home.

Game 4 Recap — Lightning 3 at Canadiens 2 — (Series tied 2-2)

Like the first three games, this one was just minutes away from overtime before Brandon Hagel scored his second goal of the third period and sixth of the series to give the Lightning a late lead. Tampa Bay trailed 2-0 before mounting the comeback as they even the series at 2-2.

Game 4 Recap — Oilers 3 at Ducks 4 — (ANA leads 3-1)

The Edmonton Oilers have their backs against the wall. In perhaps the most controversial ending to a game so far, the Oilers fell 4-3 in overtime to the Anaheim Ducks to fall behind 3-1 in the series. It looked like a good goal to me. Simple geometry tells you that. But I’m still curious how the officials called it a conclusive goal before going to review.

Either way, the team that deserved to win did. Anaheim is one win away from a second-round playoff berth.

Tonight’s Schedule

Game 5: Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins (5 pm MT on ESPN)

Game 4: Vegas Golden Knights at Utah Mammoth (7:30 pm MT on ESPN)

Around The NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins forced a Game 5, and now the Philadelphia Flyers are making lineup changes to adjust.

Philly Hockey Now: Is Rick Tocchet considering benching a big-name forward to send a message?

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings have their first commitment to the World Championships.

Chicago Blackhawks: The Blackhawks already have three commitments to the tournament. Is Connor Bedard one of them?

Carolina Hockey Now: Rod Brind’Amour confirmed what we all expected regarding the injury to young defenseman Alex Nikishin.

Forever Blueshirts: Chris Drury is enamored by the player that Brady Tkachuk is. But are the trade rumors actually true?