NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: May 5, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Stanley Cup Playoffs & Betting Insights

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs advance, analysts are already with Sports Line NHL expert Scott Erskine analyzing the Eastern Conference second round projecting a potential clash between the Buffalo Sabres and the Montreal Canadiens. Meanwhile, in active playoff matchups, bettors are receiving specific guidance; Erskine suggests backing Taylor Hall among the best player props for Monday's games, while the Sports Line Projection Model has identified top bets for the Hurricanes vs. Flyers contest. Shifting focus to the West, the model projects continued success for the Avalanche in Game 2 against the Wild, though it anticipates a far more subdued final score than the 15-goal thriller witnessed earlier, with Colorado favored to secure the victory again.

Draft Lottery & Player Futures

The league's attention will soon turn to the 2026 NHL Draft lottery, scheduled for Tuesday night in New Jersey, where teams are vying for the top selection, widely considered to be Penn State star forward Gavin McKenna, the consensus big prize. While the draft board takes shape, off-ice speculation continues, as one report raises the possibility of a major personnel change involving a hypothetical trade sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Jaylen Brown-led Celtics, a move that would shake up the broader sports landscape. Separately, other league news noted the return of Anthony Edwards providing a surprise boost as the Timberwolves managed to overcome a massive defensive effort from Victor Wembanyama, who posted an astounding 12 blocks.