NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: May 23, 2026, 11:43 PM ET

Playoff Series — Eastern Conference Finals

The Montreal Canadiens grabbed a 1-0 series lead over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, and now both teams return to Montreal with the series tied at 1-1. Star defenseman Jaccob Slavin took full responsibility for the Hurricanes' uncharacteristic defensive breakdown, telling reporters he "handed Canadiens the game" with costly mistakes in transition. Montreal's success has come from contributions up and down the lineup, according to breakdowns of how the Canadiens mastered the art of 'bouncing forward' after every misstep. Sports Line's model is leaning into that momentum, with its prediction for Saturday's Game 2 now tilting toward Montreal after the Hurricanes' shaky home start. ESPN's playoff daily also flags whether Carolina can tie the series this weekend, noting the Canadiens controlled the first game from start to finish.

Playoff Series — Western Conference Finals

The Colorado Avalanche surrendered a 3-1 defeat to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals, squandering a 1-0 lead that coach Jared Bednar said his team had chances to extend before the turning point swung the other direction. ESPN's expert panel split their picks between the Avalanche and Golden Knights, with the series now poised for a pivotal Game 3 in Denver. The loss dropped Colorado's grip on the series and exposed vulnerabilities that Vegas exploited on the breakout.

World Championship

Canada improved to 5-0 at the ice hockey world championship with a 3-1 win over Slovenia, extending their dominance in this year's tournament. The run has been less smooth for the defending champions, however, as Latvia upset the United States 4-2 with two empty-net goals from Sandis Vilmanis, handing the Americans their third loss of the competition. The back-to-back results paint a tournament where even top seeds are vulnerable and the bracket remains wide open heading into the knockout rounds.

Collectibles & Business

A signed 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie card sold for $540,000 including buyer's premium at Fanatics Collect's May Premier Auction, shattering the previous record for an autographed hockey card. The sale underscores the sustained appetite for high-end hockey memorabilia in a collectibles market that has grown sharply over the past decade.

League Business

Steve O'Rourke has been dismissed as coach of the Seattle Torrent after the expansion team finished last in its inaugural PWHL season, ending a tenure that failed to translate roster talent into wins in the professional women's league.

Betting Market

Multiple sportsbooks are promoting bonus offers ahead of Saturday's NHL action, with Bet MGM advertising $1,500 in bonus bets through the CBSSPORTS code for first losing wagers on the Canadiens-Hurricanes and Knicks-Cavaliers games, while Draft Kings offers $100 in instant bonus bets after a $5 first wager on the same matchups.