NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: May 28, 2026, 2:51 AM ET

Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Carolina Hurricanes advanced to the brink of the Stanley Cup Final after routing the Montreal Canadiens in Game, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead. Frederik Andersen recorded his third shutout in 12 postseason games this year, making 18 saves as the Hurricanes improved to 11-1 in the playoffs. Meanwhile in the Western Conference, the Vegas Golden Knights completed a sweep of the Avalanche with a 2-1 victory in Game, setting up a potential rematch of last year's Stanley Cup Final. Cole Smith scored the decisive goal 14:15 into the third period as the Knights withstood a furious finish to advance. The Hurricanes remain the Stanley Cup favorites with the Knights just behind on the odds board, while analysts highlight increased chaos featuring young stars and unpredictable outcomes in this year's playoffs.

Player Movement & Contracts

The Pittsburgh Penguins re-signed center Evgeni Malkin to a one-year, $5.5 million deal for his 21st season, ensuring the veteran's return to the franchise. However, the Toronto Maple Leafs received concerning news about forward Max Domi, who is out indefinitely after complications arose during offseason surgery. These moves come as teams finalize their offseason plans with the 2026-27 season approaching, including potential free agency strategies for teams like the Minnesota Wild. Sports Line's revealed its picks for the Hurricanes-Canadiens series, with Carolina heavily favored to close out the series in Raleigh, while Draft Kings offers promotional betting opportunities for fans looking to wager on the NHL action.

Junior & International Hockey

In junior hockey, the Everett Silvertips secured their spot in the Memorial Cup semifinals with a 4-0 victory over host Kelowna Rockets, earning a matchup against Chicoutimi. On the international stage, the United States set up a quarterfinal showdown with fierce rival Canada at the ice hockey world championship by defeating Austria 4-1 on Tuesday, continuing the storied rivalry between North American hockey powers. The Avalanche's early exit sparked discussion about the so-called "Presidents' Trophy curse," though analysts suggest it reflects parity in the modern NHL rather than a supernatural phenomenon.

League Governance

In the professional women's hockey landscape, Kris Sparre transitioned from Boston to Hamilton as the coach of the new PWHL expansion franchise. Sparre had been a finalist for the 2026 PWHL coach of the year award after guiding Boston to a 62-point season, making him a sought-after leader for the new franchise as the league continues to expand its footprint across North America.