The first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs has concluded, leaving eight teams vying for the championship. Notable surprises included Alex Lyon of the Buffalo Sabres, who stepped in as a goaltender and achieved a .955 save percentage, helping his team advance. Logan Stankoven of the Carolina Hurricanes also shone, scoring six goals in five games, demonstrating his potential as a rising star. On the other hand, the Edmonton Oilers faced disappointment, being eliminated by the Anaheim Ducks, which has raised concerns about their future, especially regarding star player Connor McDavid, who played through injuries. The Dallas Stars also struggled, failing to score at even strength and ultimately being ousted in the first round. Analysts are now reconsidering their Stanley Cup predictions, with some leaning towards the Minnesota Wild as a formidable contender. The upcoming summer will pose significant questions for both the Oilers and Stars as they look to address their shortcomings and prepare for the next season.