NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: May 18, 2026, 8:49 PM ET

World Championships & Player Stories

Canada continued its dominant run at the IIHF World Championship, blanking Italy 6-0 behind two goals and an assist from Macklin Celebrini as the team improved to 2-0. The defensive depth on display set the table for another explosive second act, as Sidney Crosby orchestrated a 5-1 rout of Denmark by assisting on four of five third-period goals. Crosby's playmaking was a masterclass in tournament hockey, and combined with Celebrini's two-goal outing, it signals Canada's offensive engine is firing on all cylinders heading into the medal rounds.

Golden Knights Punished, Wild in Transition

The NHL handed down swift discipline to the Vegas Golden Knights after their second-round series win, stripping the franchise of its second-round pick and fining coach John Tortorella $100,000 for the team's refusal to address the media. The penalty sends a clear message about mandatory post-series availability, though the long-term roster implications of losing a draft asset could linger for years. The fallout extends beyond Vegas: early preview of the Avalanche-Golden Knights Western Conference final matchup now carries added stakes, with Colorado looking to capitalize on any roster instability the Golden Knights face after the sanctions.

Wild's Hughes Weighs Future

As the Minnesota Wild prepare for a new season, star defenseman Quinn Hughes declared himself "definitely open" to a contract extension now that he is eligible to negotiate on July 1. Hughes's potential long-term commitment could reshape the Wild's defensive core, but the team's offseason has already been complicated by goalie Filip Gustavsson's decision to undergo hip surgery, which puts his availability for the start of training camp in doubt. If Gustavsson misses any time, Hughes's contract security becomes even more vital for a blueline that will need continuity.

Prospect Watch

The top of the 2026 NHL Draft is generating buzz around Gavin McKenna, the expected No. 1 overall pick, whose journey from Whitehorse, Yukon, through Medicine Hat and Penn State has drawn comparisons to generational talents. Scouts point to his two-way completeness and hockey IQ as the traits that separate him from the rest of the class, and every NHL franchise will have the chance to evaluate him firsthand at the upcoming combine.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Game 7 Drama

The NHL's marquee moment of the week arrives Monday, when the Buffalo Sabres host the Montreal Canadiens in Game 7 of their East semifinal, with the winner advancing to face the Carolina Hurricanes. The Sabres or Canadiens in Game 7? X factors and predictions from ESPN reporters lean on goaltending, special teams, and the Sabres' home-ice advantage as deciding factors. Meanwhile, CBS Sports' projection model has weighed in with its picks for the series, and Sports Line analysts are giving their takes on which team holds the edge heading into the decisive contest. The betting market has followed suit, with Draft Kings offering a $100 bonus on first $5 wagers for Monday's NHL action and Bet MGM providing $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses, reflecting the enormous interest in the Canadiens-Sabres matchup.

Nostalgia & Futures Markets

On the collectibles front, a ring gifted to Herb Brooks after the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" sold for $549,000 at Heritage Auctions, reminding fans of the enduring cultural power of that squad. In the futures market, analysts are projecting the Colorado Avalanche to meet the Golden Knights in the 2026 Western Conference final, with CBS Sports' Scott Erskine breaking down the key stats and schedule dynamics that could shape that potential series. The playoff bracket remains open on the Eastern side, with Hurricanes still awaiting word on their next opponent from the Sabres-Canadiens winner, but Monday's Game 7 will settle that question one way or another.