NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: May 24, 2026, 5:47 PM ET

Playoff Pressure Builds Colorado’s quest to avoid a 0‑2 hole against Vegas intensifies after Game 2 loss, while the Avalanche’s coach Jared Bednar lamented missed chances that turned a 1‑0 lead into a 3‑1 defeat in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals highlighting squandered chances. Experts, weighing the same series, tipped the Knights as slight favorites ahead of the decisive Game 3 projecting a narrow edge, and the Eastern Conference finals remained dead‑locked at 1‑1 as the Hurricanes headed to Montreal for Game 2 underscoring the series’ balance.

World Championship Upsets Canada extended its perfect run to 5‑0 with a 3‑1 victory over Slovenia, reinforcing its dominance at the ice‑hockey worlds securing the win. Meanwhile, Latvia delivered a surprise 4‑2 upset over the United States, with Sandis Vilmanis netting two empty‑net goals to hand the defending champions their third loss of the tournament fueling the upset.

Milestones Off the Ice An autographed 1979 O‑Pee‑Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie card fetched a record $540,000 at Fanatics Collect’s May Premier Auction, setting a new high for signed hockey memorabilia breaking the record. In junior hockey, the Everett Silvertips captured the Memorial Cup opener, defeating the Chicoutimi Sagueneens 5‑3 as Jesse Heslop contributed a goal in the Kelowna showcase clinching the win.