NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: May 23, 2026, 8:44 AM ET
NHL PLAYOFFS: WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL
The Colorado Avalanche lamented missed opportunities espn.com after dropping Game 2 3-1 to the Vegas Golden Knights, who stunned Colorado with a late flurry espn.com to seize a 2-0 series lead. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar noted his team controlled play early but failed to capitalize on chances before Vegas' Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev scored 2:07 apart in the third period. The Knights now hold a commanding advantage heading back to Denver.
NHL PLAYOFFS: EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL
In the East, the Montreal Canadiens extended their road warrior dominance espn.com with a decisive Game 1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, a result that left Canes star defenseman Jaccob Slavin admitting he handed Montreal the game espn.com after an uncharacteristic defensive breakdown. The Canadiens, bolstered by contributions up and down the lineup espn.com, are now within seven wins of their first Stanley Cup since 1993. Carolina, meanwhile, battled a historic 11-day layoff espn.com between series, the longest since 1919, which some analysts suggest contributed to their sluggish start.
PWHL MOVEMENTS
Off the ice, the PWHL continued its front-office reshaping espn.com as former U.S. Olympian Meghan Duggan was named general manager of the Hamilton Hammers, the Islanders' relocated AHL affiliate revealed espn.com. This followed Seattle's coaching change espn.com as the expansion Torrent fired Steve O'Rourke after finishing last in the standings. On the ice, Montreal sealed its first PWHL title espn.com with a 4-0 shutout of Ottawa in Game, led by Abby Roque's two goals.
INTERNATIONAL ICE
At the IIHF World Championship, Canada remained perfect at 5-0 espn.com with a 3-1 victory over Slovenia, while Mark Scheifele's overtime heroics espn.com propelled a 6-5 comeback win against Norway on Thursday. Scheifele finished with three goals, including the winner 29 seconds into extra time. The United States secured a shootout victory espn.com over Germany, with Ryan Leonard converting the decisive penalty in a 4-3 win.
INDIVIDUAL NOTES
The Washington Capitals re-signed defenseman Timothy Liljegren espn.com to a two-year, $6.5 million contract. Anaheim Ducks forward Troy Terry was slated for hip surgery espn.com, casting uncertainty on his availability for next season's start. In Buffalo, the Sabres rewarded Lindy Ruff espn.com with a two-year extension after he ended the franchise's 14-year playoff drought. Meanwhile, a 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie card sold for a record $540,000 espn.com at auction, the highest price ever for an autographed hockey card.
EXPERT ANALYSIS
With the Conference Finals underway, analysts updated Conn Smythe Trophy watch espn.com and dissected goaltending confidence espn.com for the final four teams. The Avalanche's blue-line, particularly Cale Makar's status, loomed large over series predictions, while the Hurricanes' long layoff raised questions about rhythm espn.com against Montreal's hot streak.