NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: May 21, 2026, 8:53 PM ET

Playoff Results & East Final Preview

The Western Conference finals opened with the Golden Knights striking first against the Avalanche, riding Dylan Coghlan's first playoff goal to a 4-2 win that Carter Hart backed with 36 saves. Colorado barely resembled the top-seeded juggernaut that swept its first two rounds, as the trickle-down effect of losing star defenseman Cale Makar to an upper-body injury left the Avs' defense scrambling. Vegas's opening-game dominance prompted grade reports that praised the Knights' depth and Hart's composure while flagging the Avalanche's inability to generate sustained pressure without Makar. Across the conference, the Hurricanes host the Canadiens in Game 1 of the East Final on Thursday, with Sports Line's model releasing its picks for the 2026 Eastern Conference finals opener. Carolina enters the series with an unbeaten playoff record, though questions swirl about whether their long rest will leave them rusty or sharp against a Montreal side riding its own momentum. The Hurricanes are chasing a second straight Stanley Cup and draw energy from a raucous, college-football-style crowd in Raleigh dubbed "The Caniacs", a factor that has fueled one of the loudest home-ice environments in the league this spring. With four teams still alive, Conn Smythe candidates are emerging across both conferences, though no single name has yet separated itself as the runaway favorite.

International Hockey & PWHL Action

At the ice hockey world championship, Mark Scheifele erupted for three goals to lift Canada past Norway 6-5 in overtime, burying the winner just 29 seconds into the extra period. Earlier on Wednesday, the United States eliminated Germany in a 4-3 shootout on Ryan Leonard's decisive penalty, keeping American hopes alive in a tightly contested group stage. Back on North American turf, the Montreal Victoire captured the inaugural PWHL championship with a 4-0 shutout of the Ottawa Charge in Game 4 of the Walter Cup Finals, as Abby Roque scored twice to seal the franchise's first title. The Canadian women's league continues to draw attention as a professional option for elite talent, and Montreal's dominant four-game sweep signals that the league is producing competitive, high-quality hockey even in its early years.

Transactions & Roster Moves

The Ducks are bracing for a potential long-term absence for forward Troy Terry, who requires hip surgery with his availability at the start of next season uncertain. Los Angeles has seen its depth tested by injuries all season, and losing Terry for an extended rehab window would further complicate the club's forward group. Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals re-signed defenseman Timothy Liljegren to a two-year, $6.5 million deal, keeping a reliable two-way defender on the roster through 2026-27. In minor-league news, the New York Islanders relocated their AHL affiliate to Hamilton, Ontario, and rebranded the club the Hamilton Hammers, continuing the league's trend of moving franchises to Canadian markets for stronger local support.

Betting & Game Coverage

Thursday's sports calendar is headlined by the Cavaliers-Knicks Game 2 and Canadiens-Hurricanes Game, with top analysts offering best bets and props for both matchups. Both Fan Duel and Draft Kings are running promotional bonus offers for Thursday NBA and NHL action, with Draft Kings giving $100 in bonus bets after a first $5 wager and Bet MGM offering up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses on Thursday's slate.