NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: June 6, 2026, 11:45 PM ET

Stanley Cup Final Action

Mitch Marner made history with the fastest hat trick in Stanley Cup Final history, setting a new benchmark for postseason scoring. The series between the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes shifted to Las Vegas with the teams tied 1-1 after two games, though the status of defenseman Brayden McNabb remains uncertain after he left Game 2 with a facial injury. Meanwhile, Pavel Dorofeyev has emerged as an elite performer in the finals, entering the contest tied for the goal-scoring lead this postseason with his impressive two-way play.

Coaching Success and Turning Points

John Tortorella has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround for the Golden Knights since taking over with just eight games remaining in the regular season, pressing all the right buttons during this postseason run. His strategic adjustments have been pivotal in Vegas' push to the Stanley Cup Final, demonstrating why he's considered one of the league's most effective motivators and tacticians when given a roster with championship potential.

Awards and Recognition

In individual honors, Andrei Vasilevskiy claimed his second Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goaltender, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier netminders in the league. In Montreal, Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki was the runaway winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy for the NHL's best two-way forward, while his teammate Cole Caufield won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct.

Personnel and Legacy Changes

The hockey community mourned the loss of two influential figures as former Buffalo Sabres player and general manager Gerry Meehan died at age 79, while NHL Hall of Fame executive "Trader Cliff" Fletcher passed away after leading the Calgary Flames to a Stanley Cup championship in 1989. Meanwhile, Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka reiterated his confidence in team captain Auston Matthews, stating he isn't concerned about Matthews potentially seeking an exit from Toronto despite recent chatter.

League Expansion and Betting Markets

In the professional women's hockey realm, Daryl Watts secured the league's first four-year contract with the PWHL's Detroit team, marking a significant development in women's hockey compensation. For fans looking to engage with the Stanley Cup Final, Bet MGM offers a promotional bonus of $1,500 in bonus bets using the code CBSSPORTS for Saturday's games, while Sports Line's model provides its prediction for the pivotal Game 3 matchup between the Golden Knights and Hurricanes.