NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

NHL Playoff Drama & Series Updates

The Western Conference playoff picture intensified as the Vegas Golden Knights moved to the brink of the Western Conference Finals after Pavel Dorofeyev scored his second goal of the game at 4:10 of overtime to secure a 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, taking a commanding 3-2 series lead. However, the Knights face adversity in Game 6 as defenseman Brayden McNabb received a one-game suspension for an interference infraction that injured Ducks forward Ryan Poehling. In the other conference matchup, the Colorado Avalanche demonstrated superior physicality, having doubled their regular-season rate of hits per game, a factor that should deeply concern fellow Stanley Cup contenders as they seek to close out their own series against the Minnesota Wild, who face an elimination game Wednesday night.

Elsewhere in the East, the Carolina Hurricanes maintained their perfect postseason record, relying on veteran experience where former Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall, the 2010 No. 1 overall pick, is proving an invaluable contributor. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres forced a deciding Game 5 against the Canadiens after Zach Benson’s power-play goal on his 21st birthday proved the difference in a tight 3-2 victory Tuesday, with Tage Thompson also getting on the scoresheet following a fluke bank shot off the boards that evened their series at 2-2.

League Personnel & Transactions

The Toronto Maple Leafs initiated sweeping changes on Wednesday, officially parting ways with head coach Craig Berube after just two seasons, signaling that the organization is prepared for another offseason of difficult choices following a period of regression under Berube's tenure. In player contract news, the Columbus Blue Jackets secured center Charlie Coyle long-term, signing him to a six-year contract extension valued at $36 million. Furthermore, Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer clinched the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's top rookie, becoming the first unanimous selection for the award in 33 years.

Offseason & Prospect Watch

The professional hockey landscape saw significant structural development as the PWHL announced expansion into Las Vegas and Hamilton, Ontario, with a twelfth site still pending selection to complete the league structure. On the prospect front, Gavin McKenna, whose journey has taken him from Whitehorse, Yukon, through Medicine Hat and onto Penn State, is widely projected as the expected No. 1 pick in the upcoming NHL Draft, prompting analysis into what makes the special prospect so highly regarded ahead of his NHL arrival. Separately, Penguins star Sidney Crosby confirmed his commitment to represent Team Canada at the upcoming men's world hockey championships, marking his fourth appearance in the tournament for the national side.

Regulatory & Legal Updates

In judicial news related to player safety, charges were upheld against the accused driver in the fatal accident that claimed the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, despite defense arguments concerning discrepancies in blood alcohol level reporting during the investigation. Separately, Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson was penalized $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for a stick infraction against Wild center Michael McCarron, though this fine did not prevent Colorado from taking the series lead through superior play.

Betting Markets & Promotions

Sports bettors looking to engage with Wednesday's schedule, which includes NBA and MLB action alongside any remaining NHL playoff contests, can access introductory offers from major operators. Draft Kings is offering $100 in bonus bets instantly after a customer places a minimum $5 wager, while Bet MGM is promoting a risk-free initial bet of up to $1,500 using the bonus code CBSSPORTS for new sign-ups targeting Wednesday's slate of games including potential elimination contests.