NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: April 18, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Stanley Cup Futures & Betting Landscape

As the league pivots toward the postseason, experts are making definitive calls on the upcoming championship, with Wyshynski projecting the Tampa Bay Lightning to win the title in six games, though the Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes remain consensus favorites among analysts. Betting markets show the public is tempted by longer odds, with the Buffalo Sabres attracting speculative wagers despite their long-shot status, even as betting guides offer Conn Smythe predictions for every first-round contender. For those needing a refresher on the playoff picture, a detailed lapsed fan's guide outlines the top-tier teams and essential statistics heading into April's action.

Player News & Front Office Shakeups

In player health updates, Rangers forward Vincent Trocheck revealed that his month-long absence early in the season was due to a serious bacterial infection requiring lung surgery, a detail adding context to his performance trajectory. Meanwhile, off-ice leadership saw a major change in the Pacific Division as the Vancouver Canucks fired General Manager Patrik Allvin following a last-place finish in the overall NHL standings. On the topic of future roles, the annual NHLPA player poll indicated that Sidney Crosby is overwhelmingly viewed by his peers as the active player most likely to transition into an NHL head coaching position after retirement.