NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: May 19, 2026, 5:58 AM ET

Playoff Results The Montreal Canadiens triumphed in dramatic overtime to eliminate the Buffalo Sabres from the Stanley Cup playoffs, with Alex Newhook scoring his second Game 7-winning goal of the postseason to secure a 3-2 victory. Despite the heartbreaking defeat, the Sabres received a standing ovation after completing a historically successful campaign that marked a significant turnaround for the franchise, bringing an end to what had been a renaissance season for the team in Buffalo.

International Competition Sidney Crosby dominated against Denmark with four assists in the third period alone, powering Canada to a 5-1 victory at the ice hockey world championship. The Pittsburgh Penguins captain's performance came during a five-goal final period explosion by the Canadian team. On a similarly impressive note, Macklin Celebrini excelled against Italy with two goals and an assist, helping Canada blank their opponents 6-0 to improve to 2-0 at the tournament, showcasing the depth of Canadian talent on the international stage.

Offseason Roster Moves Star defenseman Quinn Hughes expressed openness to an extension with the Minnesota Wild, indicating he is "definitely open" to reaching a deal to remain with the team when he becomes eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1. In other Wild-related news, the team will face uncertainty with their starting goalie as Filip Gustavsson is scheduled to undergo offseason hip surgery, putting his readiness for training camp in question while the organization must navigate these personnel challenges while planning for free agency moves that could shape their roster for the 2026-27 season.

League Discipline The NHL stripped the Golden Knights of their second-round draft pick and fined coach John Tortorella $100,000 for the team's decision to avoid speaking to the media following their series-clinching win. The unprecedented penalty reflects the league's strict adherence to media access policies, particularly during the high-stakes playoff environment, as the "Silent Knights" approach cost the organization significant resources and sent a message to all teams about the importance of post-game media availability.

Draft Prospects Gavin McKenna's unconventional journey to the NHL has taken him from Whitehorse, Yukon, to Medicine Hat and then Penn State, with the talented prospect expected to be selected as the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. His unique path from northern Canada through the college hockey system highlights the diverse routes players can take to reach the professional ranks, making his story particularly compelling for NHL scouts and fans alike.

Historical Memorabilia A ring given to Herb Brooks, the legendary coach of the 1980 United States "Miracle on Ice" Olympic men's hockey team, sold for $549K at Heritage Auctions. The significant sale price underscores the enduring historical value of Olympic hockey memorabilia, particularly from one of the most iconic moments in sports history, as collectors continue to show strong interest in artifacts from the historic Cold War era victory that captivated the nation.