NHL Playoff Picture: Vegas and Colorado Seize Early Series Leads

The Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche each entered their respective Game 2s with a valuable 1-0 series advantage, setting the stage for high-stakes showdowns as the 2026 NHL playoffs intensify. Both teams leveraged regular season strengths to establish early control, but their paths to the postseason highlight the contrasting dynamics between the two matchups.

• Vegas Golden Knights (39-26-17) vs. Utah Mammoth (43-33-6)
• Colorado Avalanche (55-16-11) vs. Los Angeles Kings (35-27-20)

In the Western Conference, the Vegas Golden Knights, who closed the regular season with 39 wins and 17 overtime losses, are matched up against the Utah Mammoth, a team that compiled a strong 43-33-6 record in the Central Division. Despite finishing with a lower win total than Utah, Vegas managed to capitalize in Game 1, seizing a 1-0 lead in the opening round. Their experience in tight games, underscored by 17 overtime results, has become a hallmark of their postseason approach.

On the other side of the bracket, the Colorado Avalanche, boasting a dominant 55-16-11 mark, began their series against the Los Angeles Kings, who finished with a 35-27-20 record. Colorado’s regular-season performance stood as one of the league’s best, and their Game 1 win reinforced their status as a championship favorite. The Avalanche’s combination of offensive firepower and defensive discipline has made them a daunting opponent for the Kings, who are looking to regroup after falling behind early in the series.

• Utah Mammoth: 43 wins, 33 losses, 6 overtime losses (Central Division)
• Vegas Golden Knights: 39 wins, 26 losses, 17 overtime losses (Pacific Division)
• Colorado Avalanche: 55 wins, 16 losses, 11 overtime losses (Central Division)
• Los Angeles Kings: 35 wins, 27 losses, 20 overtime losses (Pacific Division)

With both series heading into Game 2, the pressure mounts for Utah and Los Angeles to respond on the road. Vegas and Colorado, meanwhile, aim to build on their momentum and edge closer to the second round. Fans can track the latest scores and schedule updates for each series on the official NHL standings page.

As the playoffs progress, the early leads for Vegas and Colorado put the spotlight on their postseason resilience, while the Mammoth and Kings face critical tests that will define their playoff journeys.