Welcome to your premier destination for the latest NHL news and NHL scores. The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are in full swing, and Thursday night delivered all the high-stakes drama, incredible goals, and massive series shifts that hockey fans crave. Let’s dive into the complete results from April 23 and the biggest storylines carrying us into the weekend.
Last Night’s NHL Scores: Avalanche and Hurricanes Push Opponents to the Brink
If you missed the action on Thursday night, the scoreboard told a story of dominance and resilience. Here are the official NHL scores from yesterday’s playoff matchups, formatted for a quick, mobile-friendly breakdown:
| Matchup | Final Score | Series Status |
| Buffalo Sabres at Boston Bruins | BUF 3 – BOS 1 | BUF leads 2-1 |
| Carolina Hurricanes at Ottawa Senators | CAR 2 – OTT 1 | CAR leads 3-0 |
| Colorado Avalanche at Los Angeles Kings | COL 4 – LAK 2 | COL leads 3-0 |
Key Notes and NHL News from Thursday’s Action
The biggest piece of NHL news and NHL scores today revolves around the Colorado Avalanche, who moved to the brink of the second round. Cale Makar broke a 2-2 tie in the second period with a brilliant wrist shot through traffic. Scott Wedgewood stepped up massive between the pipes, stopping 24 shots in his first playoff series start. The Avalanche have completely stifled the Los Angeles Kings’ offense, allowing just four goals across the first three games. Colorado coach Jared Bednar noted the team’s ability to have “different guys stepping up on different nights,” which has been the ultimate difference-maker.
Meanwhile, over in the Eastern Conference, the Buffalo Sabres pulled off a spectacular 3-1 comeback victory in Boston to take a 2-1 series lead. The story of the night was Sabres rookie Noah Ostlund. Making his highly anticipated postseason debut, Ostlund factored into Buffalo’s first goal and scored the final tally. He became the first Sabres rookie to score in his playoff debut since Todd Simon in 1994. Bowen Byram also continued his hot streak, becoming the first Buffalo defenseman in 20 years to score a goal in consecutive playoff games.
Finally, the Carolina Hurricanes took a commanding 3-0 series lead by squeaking past the Ottawa Senators 2-1. Logan Stankoven etched his name into the history books, becoming just the second player in NHL history to start a postseason by scoring three straight game-opening goals. With three Game 3s scheduled for tonight—Lightning vs. Canadiens, Golden Knights vs. Mammoth, and Oilers vs. Ducks (all tied 1-1)—the action is only getting hotter.
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The post NHL News and NHL Scores: Stanley Cup Playoffs April 24 Update appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
