NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: May 14, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

NHL Coaching Carousel & Front Office Turmoil

The Edmonton Oilers management initiated a stunning coaching change, firing Kris Knoblauch despite leading the team to consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearances in both the 2024 and 2025 postseasons, a move sources confirm occurred even before his recently signed extension took effect. This swift dismissal immediately raises severe questions regarding General Manager Stan Bowman’s disastrous roster decisions, suggesting the organizational issues run deeper than the bench boss. Concurrently, the Toronto Maple Leafs officially parted ways with head coach Craig Berube after only two seasons, signaling another major offseason overhaul for the franchise facing critical offseason decisions.

Western Conference Playoff Drama

The Vegas Golden Knights secured a precarious 3-2 series lead over the Anaheim Ducks after Pavel Dorofeyev scored his second goal of the night in overtime, delivering a 4-3 victory in Game. Heading into Thursday’s pivotal Game, Vegas faces an immediate challenge as defenseman Brayden McNabb received a one-game suspension for an interference infraction that injured Ducks forward Ryan Poehling, meaning the Knights must win on the road without a key defender. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche completed a historic comeback, erasing a 3-0 deficit against the Minnesota Wild before Brett Kulak secured the 4-3 overtime win, advancing to the Western Conference finals while the Wild departed feeling empty after blowing the first-period lead.

Eastern Conference & Mid-Tier Playoff Notes

In the East, the Carolina Hurricanes continue their undefeated run this postseason, relying on critical contributions from 2010 No. 1 overall pick and 2018 Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall to maintain their momentum. Elsewhere, the Buffalo Sabres forced a Game 7 in their series following a Tuesday night victory in Montreal, propelled by a bizarre sequence where a Tage Thompson shot banked off the boards for the deciding tally. Observers are examining the biggest lessons learned through nearly two full rounds, noting how the Avalanche have doubled their regular-season hit rate, raising concerns for other contenders like Carolina who possess playoff intensity.

League Awards & Future Talent

Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer was named the NHL's top rookie, capturing the Calder Memorial Trophy as the first unanimous selection for the award in 33 years, signaling a major talent injection into the league. the conversation surrounding the expected No. 1 overall pick focuses heavily on Gavin McKenna's unique path, detailing his journey from Whitehorse, Yukon, through Medicine Hat and Penn State, positioning him for the NHL draft. Off the ice, the Professional Women's Hockey League announced immediate expansion into Las Vegas and Hamilton, Ontario, with one final 12th site yet to be determined.

Betting Markets & Promotional Offers

Sportsbooks are heavily promoting action across the final NHL playoff matchups alongside MLB contests scheduled for Thursday. Bettors looking to wager on the Golden Knights vs. Ducks Game 6 can utilize the Bet MGM bonus code CBSSPORTS to secure $1,500 in bonus bets if their initial wager loses. Similarly, Draft Kings is offering $100 in bonus bets instantly after a minimal $5 first wager targeting Thursday’s slate, competing directly with Wednesday's offers that covered NBA action like the Cavaliers vs. Pistons matchup. The lore surrounding celebratory traditions, such as the plastic Beer Sabre swords, continues to generate interest even while commercial betting activity focuses on Thursday's crucial games identified by experts.