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14 articles summarized · Last updated: LATEST

Last updated: May 12, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Stanley Cup Playoff Action & Odds

The Colorado Avalanche regained control of their second-round series Monday night, snapping back from a lull to defeat the Minnesota Wild in Game 4, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead. The contest featured physical intensity, as Avs defenseman Josh Manson, returning from a five-game absence, drew a double minor penalty for striking Wild center Michael McCarron with the butt end of his stick, prompting McCarron to label Manson a "dirty player" post-game. Adding to the drama for Colorado, star forward Nathan Mac Kinnon skated off bloodied after being struck in the face by a puck shot by teammate Devon Toews during the same crucial victory. Meanwhile, betting analysis suggests looking beyond the major outcomes; Sports Line NHL analyst Scott Erskine identified strong player props for Tuesday night’s slate, including specific wagers centered on Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch for Game 4 against Montreal.

The Eastern Conference semifinal between the Buffalo Sabres & Montreal Canadiens heads back to Montreal with the Canadiens aiming to secure a commanding 3-1 series advantage on Tuesday. In a decisive move for Game, the Sabres organization has confirmed they are returning Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to the goaltending crease, hoping for a performance boost against a Montreal offense that appears to have found its rhythm. Elsewhere in the playoffs, the Carolina Hurricanes remain undefeated this postseason, benefiting from the veteran presence of 2018 Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall, described as a critical contributor to their ongoing success.

NHL Roster & Contract Moves

League activity outside the postseason spotlight saw significant front-office decisions regarding player retention and future payroll commitments. The Pittsburgh Penguins expressed desire to retain veteran center Evgeni Malkin, with GM Kyle Dubas stating he would "love" to have the longtime forward return for a 21st season in Pittsburgh. Contrastingly, the Columbus Blue Jackets secured center Charlie Coyle on a long-term deal, locking him in for six years at an average annual value of $6 million, totaling a new $36 million contract. Further down the free-agent market, the Carolina Hurricanes announced that forward Mark Jankowski, 31, has agreed to a two-year contract extension carrying an average annual value of $1.85 million per year.

League Governance & Off-Ice Matters

The NHL recognized community involvement by announcing the finalists for the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award, naming three U.S. and three Canadian candidates, with winners slated to be revealed in June following a public voting period ending May 24. Separately, legal proceedings continued in a tragic case involving the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, as attorneys for the accused driver argued for the dismissal of charges based on reported discrepancies in blood alcohol level evidence.