NHL Playoffs Deliver Heated Rivalries in Tight Matchups

Avalanche, Canadiens, Sabres and Golden Knights all win close games in opening round

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:51pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, with sharp planes of ice, hockey sticks, and blurred player movements, conceptually representing the intense rivalries and close competition of the NHL playoffs.The NHL's 'Heated Rivalries' theme comes to life in a cubist depiction of the intense action and competitive spirit of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.Buffalo Today

The NHL Playoffs continued on Sunday with several close games, including three matchups decided by just a single goal. The Avalanche, Canadiens, Sabres and Golden Knights all emerged victorious in the exciting opening-round action.

Why it matters

The NHL has been promoting the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs as featuring 'Heated Rivalries', and Sunday's slate of games certainly lived up to that billing with multiple nail-biting finishes between longtime adversaries.

The details

Three of the four playoff games on Sunday were decided by just one goal, with the Canadiens, Sabres and Golden Knights all edging out their opponents in close contests. The Avalanche also won, but by a slightly more comfortable margin.

  • The NHL Playoffs continued on Sunday, April 20, 2026.

The players

Avalanche

A professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado that competes in the National Hockey League.

Canadiens

A professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec that competes in the National Hockey League.

Sabres

A professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York that competes in the National Hockey League.

Golden Knights

A professional ice hockey team based in Paradise, Nevada that competes in the National Hockey League.

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The takeaway

Sunday's slate of close, hard-fought NHL playoff games demonstrated the intensity of the league's 'Heated Rivalries' theme, with multiple matchups coming down to the wire and showcasing the competitive spirit between these longtime adversaries.