NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: May 20, 2026, 5:48 PM ET

Coaching Carousel & Front Office Moves

The Buffalo Sabres have rewarded Lindy Ruff with a two-year extension after the 66-year-old coach ended the NHL's longest active playoff drought, securing a postseason berth in his first full season back behind the bench. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils have confirmed Sheldon Keefe's return following a full organizational assessment by new GM Sunny Mehta. In contrast, the Vancouver Canucks have fired first-year coach Adam Foote after a 25-49-8 record, parting ways with the entire assistant coaching staff as the rebuild continues. In Vegas, the Golden Knights have yet to grant interview permission for former coach Bruce Cassidy, stalling multiple teams interested in hiring him as a bench boss.

Stanley Cup Conference Finals Setup

The Carolina Hurricanes enter the East finals with an unprecedented 11-day playoff layoff, the longest such break since 1919, after sweeping both the Islanders and Capitals. They will face the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 on Friday. In the West, the Colorado Avalanche host the Golden Knights in Game 1 on Wednesday, boasting an unblemished 6-0 home record in these playoffs. However, Colorado will be without star defenseman Cale Makar, who will miss Game 1 with an upper-body injury and sat out Tuesday's practice. The Avs' status is a central focus as experts pick Colorado in a closely contested series, citing their home dominance and depth.

League Business & International Play

The Premier Hockey Federation (PWHL) has completed its expansion to 12 teams by adding San Jose as its first California franchise, fulfilling a rapid growth plan. Internationally at the world championship in Switzerland, Austria and Norway posted victories, while Hungary recorded a 5-0 shutout over Britain, its first win of the tournament. to the NHL draft, consensus top prospect Gavin McKenna is on track to be the No. 1 pick, his unique path from Whitehorse, Yukon, through the WHL and Penn State making him a scouting phenomenon.

Playoff Odds & Betting Landscape

The sports betting market is heating up for Wednesday's Western Conference final opener, with the Avalanche opening as slight favorites on home ice. Multiple operators are offering promotional boosts, including Bet MGM's $1,500 bonus bet offer for new users and Draft Kings' $100 instant bonus for a first $5 wager, targeting handles on the Avs-Golden Knights game and other major events.