NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: April 17, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

NHL Playoff Picture & Regular Season Wrap

The final seeding for the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs is largely set, though the Ducks clinched third Pacific honors late Friday, dispatching the Predators 5-4 to secure their spot in the postseason bracket. As the tournament looms, betting markets favor the Colorado Avalanche, alongside the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning, as the top contenders for the Cup, even as sharp bettors eye longshots like the Buffalo Sabres tempting wagering interest. For fans needing to catch up before the intensity ramps up, comprehensive guides detail necessary intel on the 16 qualifying teams and offer specific future bets, including Conn Smythe predictions for every matchup.

Executive Moves & Player Health Updates

Organizational shakeups followed the conclusion of the regular season, as the Canucks fired GM Patrik Allvin after the team registered the worst overall record in the league. On the injury front, New York Rangers forward Vincent Trocheck revealed his month-long absence from the lineup earlier in the season was due to a serious bacterial infection in his lung requiring surgical intervention. Meanwhile, player sentiment reflected on post-career trajectories, with the NHLPA poll indicating Crosby is the player his peers overwhelmingly believe will transition successfully into an NHL head coaching role.