NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: June 9, 2026, 2:58 PM ET

Stanley Cup Final

The Vegas Golden Knights extended their Stanley Cup Final lead to 2-1 with a dramatic Game 3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, positioning themselves just two wins away from their second championship in franchise history. Despite the setback, Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour has made a decision on his starting goaltender for Tuesday night's critical Game 4 in Las Vegas, though he's keeping his choice under wraps. Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb earned praise as a "warrior" after playing Game 3 with at least two dozen stitches in his face, forcing the veteran to wear a caged helmet for the first time since his junior hockey days. With the series shifting back to Las Vegas, the Golden Knights have reclaimed favorite status in Stanley Cup odds, reflecting their commanding position in the best-of-seven series.

Coaching Changes

The Los Angeles Kings hired Peter Laviolette as their new head coach, bringing a veteran bench boss with a Stanley Cup championship pedigree to a team seeking to overcome recent playoff disappointments. The 59-year-old Laviolette, who guided the Carolina Hurricanes to a Stanley Cup title in 2006 and ranks 12th all-time in NHL victories, represents a strategic shift for the Kings as they look for a quick fix to their postseason woes. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are close to finalizing a contract with Mike Babcock, the 63-year-old coach who won a Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008, as they continue their search for stability behind the bench.

Trades and Player Movement

A complex sign-and-trade deal sends Hilary Knight to Detroit after she first signed a foundational contract with the PWHL's expansion team in Las Vegas. The five-time U.S. Olympian's move represents a significant shift in the professional women's hockey landscape, bringing one of the sport's most recognizable stars to the Motor City. In contrast to the Knight situation, Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade by submitting a three-team list of desired destinations, according to a person familiar with the discussions. Larkin's trade request comes amid what has been a challenging season for the Red Wings organization, though his future remains uncertain as teams negotiate potential compensation packages.

Team Facilities and Developments

The Dallas Stars have moved closer to their Plano relocation after the Plano City Council approved using $700 million in public money toward building what is a roughly $1 billion project at The Shops of Willow Bend. The substantial public investment underscores the growing trend of professional sports teams leveraging public-private partnerships to finance new facilities, with the Stars potentially leaving their current home in American Airlines Center within the next few years. The team's move represents a significant shift in the Dallas-Fort Worth hockey market, with implications for fan accessibility and corporate partnerships.

Awards Recognition

Connor McDavid claimed his fifth Ted Lindsay Award, tying him with Wayne Gretzky for the most player-voted MVP honors in NHL history. The Edmonton Oilers captain's achievement further solidifies his place among the league's elite players, with his consistent excellence earning the respect of his peers year after year. The award, given to the NHL's most outstanding player as voted by the NHL Players' Association, adds to McDavid's already impressive collection of hardware, including multiple Art Ross Trophies as the league's leading scorer.

Sports Betting Market

As the Stanley Cup Final shifts to Las Vegas for Game 4, sportsbooks have promoted substantial betting offers for Tuesday's contest between the Golden Knights and Hurricanes. Bet MGM is offering $1,500 in bonus bets if the first bet loses for both the hockey game and MLB matchups, while Draft Kings provides $200 in bonus bets instantly after a first $5 wager. The betting promotions reflect the significant interest in the series, with the Golden Knights' 2-1 series lead making them favorites despite being on the road. The increased betting activity comes as the NHL continues to embrace sports wagering partnerships, with league officials acknowledging the growing intersection between betting and fan engagement.