NHL Hockey 3h Briefing
×Last updated: May 23, 2026, 2:44 AM ET
Playoff Series
The Vegas Golden Knights stunned the Avalanche 3-1 espn.com to take a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference final, with Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev combining for two goals in a 2:07 burst late in the third period. Colorado coach Jared Bednar acknowledged his team had chances to extend the lead espn.com but failed to convert, leaving the Avalanche facing a 2-0 deficit for the first time this postseason. Across the Eastern Conference, the Hurricanes surrendered a 5-0 lead to fall in Game 1 to the Canadiens, with star defenseman Jaccob Slavin admitting he handed the game away espn.com after a rare defensive breakdown. ESPN's series experts weighed in on both matchups espn.com, favoring the Knights' depth and the Canadiens' defensive structure as the penultimate round carries both series into dangerous territory.
Collectibles & PWHL
NHL memorabilia hit new heights when an autographed 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie card fetched $540,000 espn.com including buyer's premium at Fanatics Collect's May Premier Auction, marking the most ever paid for a signed hockey card. Meanwhile, the Professional Women's Hockey League saw a coaching change as Steve O'Rourke was relieved of his duties espn.com with the Seattle Torrent after the expansion club finished last in its inaugural season.
International Hockey
At the IIHF World Championship, Canada improved to 5-0 espn.com after beating Slovenia 3-1, extending its perfect run through the tournament and keeping the gold medal within striking distance heading into the knockout rounds.