NHL Playoffs Game 1 Results: Scores, Matchups, & Early Betting Trends

The Stanley Cup Playoffs dropped the puck on Saturday with a packed weekend of Game 1 matchups and plenty of high-intensity hockey. Early results saw disciplined defensive play and strong goaltending impact the arlt part of the postseason, with several games decided by narrow margins.

In the Eastern Conference, the Carolina Hurricanes shut out the Ottawa Senators 2-0 to begin the postseason and take a 1-0 series lead. Carolina controlled much of the game defensively, with Logan Stankoven pitching in two timely goals for the Hurricanes to seal the win.

The Philadelphia Flyers also edged the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in a rivalry game between the two Pennsylvania franchises. Porter Martone scored the game winner for the Flyers in the third period.

The Montreal Candiens also topped the Tampa Bay Lighining in overtime 4-3. After landing in the playoffs for the first time since 2011, the Buffalo Sabres staged a third period comeback over the Boston Bruins for a 4-3 victory before a raucous hometown crowd.

In the Western Conference, the Colorado Avalanche opened with a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. On Saturday, the Dallas Stars were outclassed by the Minnesota Wild in a 6-1 drubbing. Jesper Wallstedt was solid in net for Minnesota and Joel Eriksson Ek grabbed two goals and an assist.

On Sunday night, the Vegas Golden Knights scored a 4-2 win over the Utah Mammoth. The Edmonton Oilers and the Anaheim Ducks have yet to play, but begin that series on Monday.

Early Playoff Trends Taking Shape

Through the first wave of games, teams that established physicality early and limited turnovers found success. Neutral-zone control and shot suppression have been critical, particularly in matchups featuring evenly matched opponents.

Goaltending has also been a major factor. Strong performances in net, influenced several Game 1 results with multiple teams relying on goalies to preserve close leads late.

Additionally, special teams also were key. Power-play opportunities remain limited, but converting even one chance proved to be the difference in some games. Here’s a look at the Game 2 schedule over Monday and Tuesday with expected betting odds from sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings.

Monday, April 20

• Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
  • TV: ESPN
  • Series: Flyers lead 1-0
  • Betting Odds (Game 2): Penguins -130, Flyers +110
• Ottawa Senators vs. Carolina Hurricanes
  • TV: ESPN2
  • Series: Hurricanes lead 1-0
  • Betting Odds (Game 2): Hurricanes -165, Senators +145
• Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars
  • TV: ESPN
  • Series: Wild leads 1-0
  • Betting Odds (Game 2): Stars -140, Wild +120
• Anaheim Ducks vs. Edmonton Oilers
  • TV: ESPN2
  • Series: Series tied 0-0
  • Betting Odds (Game 1): Oilers -180, Ducks +155

Tuesday, April 21

• Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
  • TV: ESPN2
  • Series: Canadiens lead 1-0
  • Betting Odds: Lightning -170, Canadiens +150
• Los Angeles Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche
  • TV: ESPN
  • Series: Avalanche lead 1-0
  • Betting Odds: Avalanche -200, Kings +170
• Utah Mammoth vs. Vegas Golden Knights
  • TV: ESPN2
  • Series: Golden Knights lead 1-0
  • Betting Odds: Golden Knights -165, Mammoth +145
• Boston Bruins vs. Buffalo Sabres
  • TV: ESPN
  • Series: Sabres lead 1-0
  • Betting Odds: Sabres -140, Bruins +120

Betting Outlook After Game 1

From an NHL betting perspective, Game 1 results have already impacted series odds across sportsbooks. Teams like Carolina and Colorado, which secured early wins, have seen their prices shorten as favorites to advance.

Competitive losses such as Pittsburgh’s narrow defeat may present value opportunities for bettors looking at Game 2 adjustments. Historically, teams that lose tight Game 1 matchups often respond with tactical changes that can shift momentum. This is something to watch over the next few days.

Markets are also reacting to the low-scoring nature of early games. Totals bettors may begin to lean toward unders, particularly in matchups where defensive structure and goaltending continue to dominate.