NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: May 24, 2026, 2:54 PM ET

Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Colorado Avalanche faces a daunting 0-2 deficit against the Vegas Golden Knights after dropping Game 2 by a 3-1 margin, with coach Jared Bednar lamenting missed opportunities that could have extended a 1-0 lead. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes-Canadiens series is knotted at 1-1 heading to Montreal, where defenseman Jaccob Slavin accepted responsibility for Carolina's uncharacteristic defensive breakdown in their Game 1 loss. Expert analysts are weighing in on both conference finals matchups as the penultimate round intensifies.

International Competition

Canada improved to 5-0 at the ice hockey world championship with a 3-1 victory over Slovenia, maintaining their perfect record in preliminary play. However, Latvia delivered the tournament's biggest upset by defeating the United States 4-2, with Sandis Vilmanis scoring two empty-net goals to secure the defending champions' third loss. The shock victory highlighted the unpredictable nature of international competition as several traditional powerhouses struggle early.

Junior Hockey

The Everett Silvertips opened their Memorial Cup run with a 5-3 victory over the Chicoutimi Sagueneens, with Western Hockey League champion right wing Jesse Heslop contributing a goal in Kelowna, British Columbia. The win gives Everett early momentum in the prestigious junior tournament featuring champions from Canada's three major junior circuits.

Hockey Memorabilia

An autographed 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie card established a new benchmark for hockey collectibles, selling for $540,000 including buyer's premium in Fanatics Collect's May Premier Auction. The unprecedented price reflects continued demand for premium vintage cards amid the sports memorabilia boom.