NHL Hockey 3d Briefing
×Last updated: May 24, 2026, 5:57 AM ET
International Competition
Latvia delivered a stunning 4-2 upset espn.com over defending champion United States at the ice hockey world championship, with Sandis Vilmanis scoring two empty-net goals to seal the victory. The loss marked the Americans' third defeat in the tournament as Canada improved to a perfect 5-0 record espn.com following a 3-1 win over Slovenia. Mark Scheifele powered Canada's 6-5 overtime victory espn.com against Norway with a hat-trick, including the game-winning goal just 29 seconds into the extra period, keeping the Canadians atop their group heading into the knockout stage.
Stanley Cup Playoffs
The Eastern Conference finals shifts to Montreal tied 1-1 espn.com after the Canadiens dominated Game 1 with a decisive 4-0 victory, with Abby Roque scoring twice in the Walter Cup Finals-clinching performance that secured Montreal's first PWHL championship espn.com. Jaccob Slavin shouldered the blame for Carolina's defensive collapse espn.com in the series opener, acknowledging his role in what he called an "uncharacteristic defensive disaster." Meanwhile, Colorado's playoff hopes took a hit as the Avalanche fell 3-1 to Vegas in Game 2 espn.com despite hosting the matchup, with coach Jared Bednar lamenting missed opportunities that could have extended their 1-0 series lead.
Conference Finals Analysis
The Canadiens' dominant Game 1 showing espn.com exemplified their playoff resilience, with contributions throughout the lineup propelling them within seven wins of the Stanley Cup. Colorado's injury concerns loom large as Cale Makar's status remains uncertain heading into Game, potentially crippling a defensive corps that relies heavily on his two-way play. Experts favor Montreal to take control in Game 2 based on their road warrior mentality and balanced scoring attack, while Vegas opened as slight favorites to close out the West Final at home.
PWHL Expansion & Front Office
The Premier Hockey Federation completed its expansion leadership team espn.com with Meghan Duggan taking over general manager duties in Hamilton while Troy Ryan departed Toronto to lead San Jose's new franchise. Steve O'Rourke was relieved of coaching duties espn.com with the Seattle Torrent after the expansion club finished last in its inaugural PWHL season, marking the first coaching change in the league's brief history.
NHL Transactions & Extensions
Buffalo rewarded coach Lindy Ruff with a two-year contract extension espn.com after guiding the Sabres back to the playoffs and ending a league-worst 14-year postseason drought. Washington locked up defenseman Timothy Liljegren espn.com on a two-year, $6.5 million deal, providing stability on the blue line for a Capitals team looking to build on their playoff return. Ducks forward Troy Terry will undergo hip surgery espn.com that could jeopardize his availability for the start of next season, dealing a blow to Anaheim's top-six forward group.
Collectibles & Fan Culture
An autographed 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie card sold for a record $540,000 espn.com including buyer's premium at Fanatics Collect's May Premier Auction, establishing a new benchmark for autographed hockey memorabilia. The Hurricanes draw energy from their passionate fanbase espn.com known as the "Caniacs," whose college football-style tailgating and pig-themed traditions create one of the NHL's most electric home atmospheres at PNC Arena.
AHL Affiliation Changes
New York's minor league system will feature the Hamilton Hammers espn.com beginning next season after the Islanders relocated their AHL affiliate to the Canadian city, giving Hamilton its first professional hockey team since the AHL's Bulldogs departed in 2010.