NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Stanley Cup Playoff Action Heats Up

The Western Conference saw the Vegas Golden Knights move to the brink of the Western Conference Finals after Pavel Dorofeyev scored his second goal of the night 4:10 into overtime, securing a tight 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks to take a commanding 3-2 series lead. However, the physical nature of that contest led to disciplinary action, as Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb was tossed from the game in the first period for a hard check into the boards that forced Ducks center Ryan Poehling off the ice. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche signaled serious intent, doubling their regular-season hits-per-game rate in the playoffs, a level of intensity their fellow contenders should view with deep concern as they seek to close out their series against Minnesota.

Discipline also came into focus for the Avalanche when defenseman Josh Manson received a $5,000 fine from the league for using the blunt end of his stick on Wild center Michael McCarron, a play which McCarron subsequently labeled Manson as "a dirty player" following their Game 4 matchup where Colorado won to take a 3-1 series lead. In Eastern Conference action, the Buffalo Sabres managed to tie their series at 2-2 against Montreal, propelled by Zach Benson's power-play goal on his 21st birthday, tying the contest before they ultimately secured the win. The Sabres' Game 4 victory, which saw them return Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to the net for the crucial contest, was partially aided by a bizarre event where Tage Thompson's goal bounced freakishly off the boards to become the most pivotal score in their win over the Canadiens.

Player Transactions & International Commitments

In league business outside the playoffs, the Columbus Blue Jackets secured center Charlie Coyle with a new six-year contract extension valued at $36 million, locking down a key piece of their core. On the injury and roster front, Carolina Hurricanes forward Mark Jankowski, 31, inked a two-year extension averaging $1.85 million annually to keep him in Raleigh, while Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas publicly stated his desire to have veteran Evgeni Malkin return for a 21st season with the franchise next year. Internationally, Penguins star Sidney Crosby is set to represent Canada at the men's world hockey championships, marking his fourth appearance in the tournament as he prepares for their upcoming run in the competition.

Off-Ice Matters & Prospect Watch

The legal proceedings related to the fatal 2022 car crash involving the family of former NHL player Johnny Gaudreau saw a setback for the defense, as attorneys arguing for the dismissal of charges based on blood alcohol level reporting discrepancies were unsuccessful, meaning the charges against the accused driver were upheld by the judge. Separately, the focus shifts to the 2025 draft where Gavin McKenna, whose journey spans from Whitehorse, Yukon, to Medicine Hat and now Penn State, is widely projected as the expected No. 1 overall pick, raising questions about what specific attributes make him such a special prospect for the NHL's next draft. In women's hockey news, the upcoming PWHL draft class will feature a pool of 235 players, headlined by five members of the U.S. Olympic gold medal-winning team, including top defender Caroline Harvey.

League Recognition & Player Form

While playoff intensity dominates headlines, the NHL formally announced the finalists for the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award, with three U.S. and three Canadian nominees selected, opening voting for the winners who will be revealed in June through May 24. Regarding players finding peak form, Taylor Hall, the 2010 No. 1 overall pick and 2018 Hart Trophy winner, is currently serving as a critical component for the Hurricanes, who remain undefeated this postseason as he rediscovers his MVP level of play. Furthermore, player prop analysis suggested that Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch was among the best betting options for Tuesday's slate of playoff games, according to Sports Line analysts evaluating the matchups including the Sabres' crucial Game.