NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: May 20, 2026, 2:46 PM ET

NHL Conference Finals Preview

The Carolina Hurricanes will face an unusual challenge as they prepare for their Eastern Conference Final matchup against the Montreal Canadiens after sweeping their first two series, resulting in an 11-day layoff — the longest such break in NHL playoff history since 1919. Meanwhile, the Western Conference Final gets underway with the Colorado Avalanche hosting the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1 on Wednesday, though the Avalanche will be without star defenseman Cale Makar who sat out practice for the second consecutive day. The Avalanche have yet to lose at home during these Stanley Cup playoffs, giving them a significant advantage in the series opener. Despite Makar's absence, the Avalanche remain strong contenders as they host the Golden Knights in what promises to be a compelling Western Conference Final.

Coaching Changes Around the League

The New Jersey Devils confirmed that Sheldon Keefe will return as head coach following a comprehensive evaluation by new general manager Sunny Mehta, providing stability during what has been a transitional period for the franchise. In contrast, the Vancouver Canucks have opted for a change in leadership, firing first-year coach Adam Foote along with three assistants after the team compiled a disappointing 25-49-8 record during his lone season behind the bench. These contrasting approaches to coaching decisions highlight the different strategies franchises are employing as they navigate the competitive NHL landscape, with some prioritizing immediate results while others are willing to invest in long-term development.

Hockey League Developments

The professional women's hockey landscape continues to expand as the PWHL completed its ambitious expansion by adding San Jose as its 12th team, bringing the league into California for the first time. Meanwhile, international competition continues with Hungary securing its first victory at the ice hockey world championship in Switzerland, shutting out Britain 5-0 in a match that marked a milestone for the newcomer to the top division. On the prospect front, Gavin McKenna's journey to NHL expectation has taken him from Whitehorse, Yukon, to Medicine Hat and Penn State, with scouts projecting him to be a top draft pick in the upcoming entry draft.

Offseason Planning & Free Agency

As teams begin to the offseason, several key decisions loom on the horizon. Buffalo forward Alex Tuch, who struggled during the Sabres' second-round series loss to the Montreal Canadiens, will hit free agency this summer with his agent Scott Bartlett suggesting that his recent performance won't impact his next contract value. Multiple NHL teams are awaiting permission to interview Bruce Cassidy, with sources indicating that the Vegas Golden Knights have yet to grant other teams access to the former Boston Bruins head coach. In other offseason news, analysts have begun exploring free agency strategies for various teams including the Wild, providing insight into potential roster moves for the 2026-27 season.

Betting & Odds Update

Sportsbooks are heavily promoting betting opportunities for Wednesday's slate of games, with Bet MGM offering up to $1,500 in bonus bets for NBA, NHL and MLB wagering using the promo code CBSSPORTS. Draft Kings is competing with its own promotion, providing instant $100 bonus bets after just a $5 wager for NBA, NHL and MLB games on Wednesday. These promotional offers come as the NHL enters its conference finals and the NBA reaches its penultimate round, creating significant betting interest across multiple sports. For those looking to make informed wagers, analysts have provided expert picks and predictions for the Avalanche-Golden Knights series and other matchups, while also offering insight into goalie confidence ratings and X factors for all four remaining NHL teams.