NHL Hockey 3h Briefing
×Last updated: May 14, 2026, 2:30 AM ET
NHL Postseason & Coaching Carousel
The Colorado Avalanche completed a stunning comeback espn.com, storming back from a 3-0 deficit midway through the second period to defeat the Minnesota Wild 4-3 in overtime and advance to the Western Conference finals, leaving the Wild organization feeling "empty" after their series-ending collapse. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs officially dismissed coach Craig Berube espn.com after just two seasons behind the bench, immediately beginning their search for a new bench boss heading into the offseason where the Wild must also address personnel following their playoff exit espn.com. In immediate on-ice disciplinary action, Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb received a one-game suspension espn.com for an interference infraction against Ducks forward Ryan Poehling ahead of Thursday's Game, a contest Vegas currently leads 3-2 thanks to Pavel Dorofeyev's overtime winner espn.com.
League Accolades & Future Prospects
Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer secured the Calder Memorial Trophy, becoming the first unanimous rookie of the year selection in 33 years, while the focus shifts toward the upcoming draft where top prospect Gavin McKenna is generating considerable buzz; the expected No. 1 pick’s journey from Whitehorse, Yukon, through Medicine Hat and to Penn State sets the stage for his anticipated move to the NHL level next. Separately, the women’s professional league, PWHL, announced expansion into Las Vegas and Hamilton, Ontario, with one final site yet to be named to bring the league total to twelve franchises. On a related playoff note from earlier this week, Tage Thompson generated the game-tying goal espn.com for Buffalo—a crucial score stemming from a fluke bank shot off the boards—that helped the Sabres force a deciding game in their series against Montreal.