Stanley Cup Playoffs: Canadiens Advance; Hurricanes Take 2-0 Series Lead; Avalanche, Ducks Take Series Openers

 The Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Sunday and Monday.

Sunday's Games:

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, Florida:

Alex Newhook scored the game-winning third-period goal while goalie Jakob Dobes saved 28 of 29 shots as the Montreal Canadiens knocked off the hosts Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 and won their conference quarterfinal series four games to three.

The Habs will open their conference semifinal series with the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday on the road at 4:00 PM Pacific Time (TNT, TruTV, HBO Max).

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Ball Arena, Denver:

Cale Makar scored twice in the third period as the Colorado Avalanche outgunned the visiting Minnesota Wild 9-6 in a goal-filled opening game of their conference semifinal series.

Monday's Games:

EASTERN CONFERECE:

At Lenovo Center, Raleigh, North Carolina:

Taylor Hall scored the game winner at 18:54 of overtime as the Carolina Hurricanes came back from two goals down to upend the visiting Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 and take a two-games-to-none conference semifinal series advantage.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada:

Brett Howden, Ivan Barbashev, and Mitch Mamer (empty net) each tallied once while Carter Hart saved 33 of 34 shots as the Vegas Golden Knights took game one of their conference semifinal series 3-1 over the visiting Anaheim Ducks.