NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: May 31, 2026, 2:54 PM ET

International Hockey

Norway captured its first ice hockey medal with a stunning 3-2 overtime victory over Canada in the bronze medal game, marking a historic achievement for the Scandinavian nation. Earlier in the tournament, Finland eliminated Canada from contention with a 4-2 victory in Zurich, powered by Aleksander Barkov, the Florida Panthers captain who missed the entire NHL season with an injury but returned to international prominence.

Stanley Cup Final Preview

The Carolina Hurricanes emerged as favorites to hoist the Stanley Cup over the Vegas Golden Knights in their Final appearance since 2006, with oddsmakers projecting Carolina as the likely champion. The series begins Tuesday on ABC, with analysts identifying five decisive factors that give the Canes the edge including their recent breakthrough past the conference finals that had historically plagued their playoff runs.

NHL Legacy & Losses

The hockey world mourned Dennis Hull, the five-time All-Star forward who starred alongside his brother Bobby Hull with the Blackhawks and helped Canada win the 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union. In a separate tragedy, four-time Stanley Cup champion Claude Lemieux died at age, with authorities confirming it was by suicide. In a final act, Lemieux's brain will be donated to the Boston University CTE Center to research the long-term effects of repetitive brain injuries.

Coaching & Junior Hockey

Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy expressed frustration during a podcast appearance that he cannot interview with other clubs after Vegas management declined reported requests by Edmonton and Los Angeles, calling the situation "upsetting" for career advancement opportunities. Meanwhile, the Everett Silvertips advanced to the championship game by defeating the Chicoutimi Sagueneens 6-1 in Memorial Cup play, setting up a winner-take-all matchup against Kitchener with the prestigious junior hockey trophy at stake.