The NHL's official second-round schedule confirms Game 2 in the Buffalo series for Friday, 8 May 2026. That means the night has a clean, verified playoff anchor even before the market settles on the exact opponent.
Why it matters
Playoff hockey tends to tighten quickly once teams and special teams match up repeatedly. A verified Game 2 gives bettors a clear reference point because the market is working from a real series schedule rather than a vague playoff assumption.
What to watch
The best pregame clues are the lineup confirmations, the goaltending decision and how the first game in the series shaped the pace. If the board moves too far on reputation alone, there is usually no reason to chase it.
Bottom line
Buffalo's Game 2 is the most useful verified NHL window on Friday's card.