NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: May 21, 2026, 2:53 AM ET

Coaching Stability in Buffalo The Buffalo Sabres have extended coach Lindy Ruff’s contract for two years, cementing his role after guiding the team to a 14‑year playoff streak that tied a league record. The 66‑year‑old’s tenure has already produced a 43‑game point streak and a 38‑win season, metrics that made the extension a logical move for a franchise eager to maintain momentum. The announcement follows a period of uncertainty, as Buffalo’s front office had hinted at a coaching change before the playoffs. The new deal signals confidence in Ruff’s system and a desire to keep the organization on a steady upward trajectory. Extend coach contract

Western Conference Finals Drama The Golden Knights host the Avalanche in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, a matchup highlighted by Colorado’s flawless home record in the Stanley Cup playoffs. However, the series will begin without Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, who is sidelined for the first game due to injury. Makar’s absence could tilt the balance in favor of Vegas, especially since the Avalanche’s defensive core has been a cornerstone of their recent success. The Golden Knights, meanwhile, will look to exploit the weakened defense and maintain their offensive rhythm that carried them to the finals. Start finals series Miss key defender

Eastern Conference Rest and Recovery The Carolina Hurricanes will enter Game 1 of their series against the Montreal Canadiens after an 11‑day layoff, the longest in the league since 1919. The extended break, caused by a sweep of the first two playoff rounds, grants the Hurricanes a rare stretch of rest that could sharpen their focus and conditioning. The Canadiens, however, have maintained a steady pace, and the long pause may disrupt Buffalo’s momentum more than it benefits Carolina. The matchup will test whether the Hurricanes can translate rest into performance against a resilient opponent. Longest layoff

Betting Opportunities in the Playoffs BetMGM and Draft Kings are promoting bonus offers tied to the high‑profile games of the weekend. Bet MGM’s CBSSPORTS code delivers $1,500 in bonus bets if the first wager loses across NBA, NHL, and MLB, while Draft Kings offers a $100 bonus after a $5 wager on the same slate of contests. These promotions target bettors looking to hedge risk on the Avalanche‑Knights showdown and the Spurs‑Thunder NBA matchup, both highlighted as marquee events by sports wagering analysts. The incentives aim to capture interest from casual and seasoned bettors alike, leveraging the excitement of playoff hockey and basketball. Promote bonus bets Offer instant bonus

Previewing the Final Four The semifinal round of the 2026 playoffs commences on Wednesday, with goaltender confidence ratings and X‑factors identified for each of the four clubs. Analysts predict that goalies who have posted save percentages above .930 in the regular season will hold the edge, while teams with a higher percentage of power‑play conversions are expected to capitalize on power‑play opportunities. This framework provides a statistical lens through which to evaluate each matchup, setting expectations for how the series may unfold. Highlight goaltender stats