The Stanley Cup playoffs' biggest shocks of the first round

The 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs first round has featured several notable surprises, including the Anaheim Ducks eliminating the Los Angeles Kings with a sweep completed on an officials-approved overtime goal, and the Pittsburgh Penguins finding themselves on the brink of elimination. Other storylines include the Colorado Avalanche sweeping the Kings, Tampa Bay Lightning's Brandon Hagel scoring twice in the third period to tie their series against the Montreal Canadiens, and Philadelphia Flyers forward Michkov being dropped from the top lines.