NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: May 19, 2026, 8:53 AM ET
PLAYOFF DISCIPLINE & FINES
The NHL imposed sanctions espn.com on the Golden Knights, stripping them of a second-round draft pick and fining coach John Tortorella $100,000 for the team's media boycott following their series-clinching win over the Sabres. The penalty underscores the league's firm stance on media access obligations, a rule Tortorella, a former Coach of the Year, has frequently clashed with throughout his career.
EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS SET
The Montreal Canadiens eliminated espn.com the Buffalo Sabres in overtime, with Alex Newhook scoring his second Game 7-winning goal of the postseason. The 3-2 victory capped a resurgent season for the Sabres, who received a standing ovation after their historic run ended. Despite the loss, Buffalo's young core, including a overtime goal from Sabres' rookie phenom espn.com, signaled a franchise turnaround.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Canada routed Denmark espn.com behind Sidney Crosby's four assists in a five-goal third period, while Macklin Celebrini led Canada's rout espn.com with two goals and an assist in a 6-0 win over Italy. The United States bounced back espn.com from a Swiss loss to beat Britain 5-1, maintaining their title defense at the worlds.
INJURIES & OFFSEASON SURGERY
The Minnesota Wild face uncertainty in goal as Filip Gustavsson espn.com will undergo hip surgery, casting doubt on his availability for training camp. The injury compounds a depleted defense corps; veterans Jonas Brodin and Joel Eriksson Ek missed the Avalanche series espn.com with broken bones in their feet, revealing the physical toll of their second-round exit.
COACHING CAROUSEL & FRONT OFFICE
The Edmonton Oilers fired Kris Knoblauch espn.com just weeks after his team reached its second consecutive Stanley Cup Final. The surprising move comes despite Knoblauch having another guaranteed season on his contract, signaling a dramatic shift in direction for a franchise that has come up short in back-to-back championships. In the PWHL, former NHL goalie Manon Rheaume was named GM espn.com of the Detroit expansion team, while San Jose landed a PWHL franchise espn.com, bringing women's professional hockey to the Bay Area.
STAR DEFENSEMAN'S FUTURE
Quinn Hughes, eligible for an extension July 1, stated he is "definitely open espn.com" to a long-term deal with the Minnesota Wild. The star defenseman's potential contract would be a cornerstone move for a Wild team seeking to solidify its core after a second-round playoff exit.
LEGACY & COLLECTIBLES
A ring honoring Herb Brooks' "Miracle on Ice" team sold at auction espn.com for $549,000, a testament to the enduring legacy of the 1980 U.S. Olympic gold medal victory.