NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: June 8, 2026, 8:48 PM ET

Stanley Cup Finals: Golden Knights Take Command

The Vegas Golden Knights secured a double overtime victory in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals, taking a 2-1 series lead against the Carolina Hurricanes with a chaotic game that featured four consecutive goals by each team. Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb returned as a "warrior", playing with at least two dozen stitches in his face that forced him to wear a caged helmet for the first time in his career. Despite the loss, Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour confirmed he won't make "a lot of changes" to his lineup for Game, though he has made a decision on his starting goaltender without sharing it publicly. The Knights now stand two wins away from capturing their second Stanley Cup in franchise history.

Stanley Cup Finals: Conn Smythe Race Intensifies

The Conn Smythe Trophy race has multiple legitimate candidates as the Stanley Cup Finals shift to Las Vegas for Game. Carolina's Pavel Dorofeyev, a 25-year-old forward who entered the finals tied for the playoff goal-scoring lead, has emerged as "a quite special, elite player" with his postseason performance. Sports Line's projection model favors Vegas in Game, with the Golden Knights listed as slight favorites despite the series being tied at 1-1. The winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy will be announced following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals, with several players from both teams making strong cases to be named the most valuable player of the postseason.

Co