NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: June 2, 2026, 5:53 AM ET
NHL Coaching Changes
The Vancouver Canucks named Manny Malhotra espn.com as their new head coach on Monday, bringing back an internal candidate who recently led the AHL's Utica Comets to the Calder Cup championship in 2025. Meanwhile, the expansion PWHL's Vancouver franchise fired coach Brian Idalski espn.com after just one season, with the team finishing sixth out of eight teams in the league's inaugural campaign. In Las Vegas, Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy expressed frustration, calling it "upsetting espn.com" that management declined reported requests by Edmonton and Los Angeles to interview him for their vacant positions, limiting his career opportunities.
Stanley Cup Final Preview
The 2026 Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes begins Tuesday with Sports Line's model making predictions for the opening game. After finally overcoming the conference finals hurdle, the Hurricanes enter as favorites espn.com to hoist their first Stanley Cup since 2006. Analysts identify five key factors espn.com that will determine the series outcome, with Carolina's depth and special teams units expected to give them the edge against Vegas's high-powered offense. Sports Line NHL analyst Scott Erskine outlines his analysis of the matchup, suggesting the Hurricanes' balanced attack could prove decisive in a seven-game series.
International Hockey Developments
Buffalo Sabres rookie center Konsta Helenius scored 10:42 into overtime espn.com, giving Finland a 1-0 victory over Switzerland in the tournament final at the