NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: May 22, 2026, 11:51 AM ET

Playoff Action: Western Conference Finals

The Vegas Golden Knights opened the Western Conference finals with a 4-2 win over the Avalanche, getting off to a fast start thanks to Dylan Coghlan's first playoff goal and Carter Hart's 36 saves. Without Cale Makar sidelined by an upper-body injury, Colorado hardly resembled the top-seeded team that dismantled the first two rounds, and ESPN's postgame grades raised questions about whether the Avs can recapture their regular-season identity. Game 2 on Friday looms large, with Makar's injury status dominating pregame coverage as Sports Line experts weigh a same-game parlay and a proven statistical model publishing its picks for the 2026 NHL playoff matchup. Meanwhile, Conn Smythe Watch identifies several legitimate candidates for playoff MVP across the four remaining teams, with Hart's 36-save effort in Game 1 putting his name into the conversation.

Eastern Conference: Canadiens Stun Hurricanes

The Montreal Canadiens pounced for four first-period goals on the slow-starting Hurricanes, handing Carolina its first loss of the postseason in a 4-0 rout. Carolina had come off the longest break in more than a century and looked nothing like the team ESPN's tailgating superfans, the Caniacs, have powered into a rowdy, outlandish home atmosphere. Star defenseman Jaccob Slavin shouldered blame for the uncharacteristic defensive breakdown, saying he "handed the Canadiens the game." ESPN's grading breakdown called it a dominant Game 1 showing for Montreal, and expert picks favored the Canadiens in the penultimate-round clash. The Hurricanes now trail 1-0 after an early exit that nobody saw coming, with the series shifting to Montreal for Game.

Goalie Confidence & Semifinal X-Factors

As the semifinal round began, goalie confidence ratings and X factors for all four clubs became a focal point, with Carter Hart's performance in Game 1 drawing particular attention. ESPN's grades noted what to look for in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals, and the Canes-Canadiens series adds another layer of unpredictability heading into Friday. The four teams still alive — Vegas, Colorado, Montreal, and Carolina — each have goaltending questions that could decide their fate.

PWHL Expansion & Coaching Moves

Meghan Duggan is leaving her player development role with the NHL's New Jersey Devils to become general manager of the PWHL's expansion franchise in Hamilton, Ontario, a move that signals growing investment in the professional women's league. The timing aligns with the New York Islanders' announcement that their AHL affiliate will be renamed the Hamilton Hammers after relocation to the Canadian city. Over in the PWHL, the Montreal Victoire sealed their first PWHL title with a 4-0 Game 4 shutout over the Ottawa Charge, led by Abby Roque's two goals in the Walter Cup Finals. In the NHL, the Buffalo Sabres rewarded coach Lindy Ruff with a two-year extension after he ended the team's league-leading 14-year playoff drought, and the Washington Capitals re-signed defenseman Timothy Liljegren to a two-year, $6.5 million deal.

Injury News & International Hockey

Ducks forward Troy Terry requires hip surgery that could jeopardize his availability at the start of next season, a setback for a player the franchise has been building around. On the international stage, Mark Scheifele scored three goals including the game winner 29 seconds into overtime as Canada beat Norway 6-5 at the ice hockey world championship, keeping his nation in contention for gold.

Betting Markets & Promos

Betting interest spiked around Friday's Avalanche-Golden Knights and Canadiens-Hurricanes matchups, with Bet MGM offering $1,500 in bonus bets via promo code CBSSPORTS for first-bet losers and Draft Kings providing $100 in instant bonus bets after a $5 first wager. Thursday's earlier slate of Canadiens-Hurricanes Game 1 and Cavs-Knicks also carried similar promos with the CBSSPORTS code unlocking $1,500 in bonus bets and Draft Kings matching $100 in bonus bets, while Sports Line's projection model published best bets and props for the marquee matchups.