NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: June 9, 2026, 5:54 PM ET

Stanley Cup Final Game 4 Preview

The Vegas Golden Knights host the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday night with a 2-1 series lead and reclaimed favorite status in the championship odds. Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour has settled on his starting goaltender for the pivotal matchup but refused to disclose the choice, keeping the decision closely guarded after backup Pyotr Kochetkov performed well in Game. Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb returned to action in Game 3 wearing a protective cage after sustaining facial injuries requiring two dozen stitches, earning praise from teammates as a "warrior" for his determination. The Hurricanes could make a goalie change for Tuesday's contest as they look to even the series, while both teams juggle roster decisions amid the intensity of a championship chase.

Betting Markets Heat Up

Sports betting operators are offering substantial promotional incentives for Tuesday's Stanley Cup Game 4 action, with Bet MGM providing up to $1,500 in bonus bets using code CBSSPORTS if initial wagers prove unsuccessful. Draft Kings counters with $200 in instant bonus bets following a minimum $5 first wager on the championship matchup. The Sports Line Projection Model and CBS Sports experts are targeting specific prop bets and game lines as the Stanley Cup Final draws significant gambling interest alongside MLB action scheduled for the same evening.

Coaching Carousel Continues

The Los Angeles Kings are hiring Peter Laviolette as their new head coach, turning to the veteran bench boss who previously led the Nashville Predators and Washington Capitals. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are closing in on a deal to hire Mike Babcock, the 63-year-old former Detroit Red Wings coach who captured the Stanley Cup in 2008 and ranks 12th all-time in NHL career victories. Both franchises are making significant behind-the-bench changes as they attempt to return to contention.

Player Movement & Contracts

Michael McCarron signed a six-year, $20 million extension with the Minnesota Wild, removing an impending free agent from the market after his productive performance following a midseason trade acquisition. Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin submitted a trade list identifying three preferred destinations as the franchise faces uncertainty about its future direction. In women's professional hockey, Hilary Knight signed a one-year foundational contract with the PWHL's expansion team in Las Vegas, though reports indicate she will be traded to Detroit's PWHL franchise as part of a sign-and-trade arrangement involving one of the sport's most recognizable figures.

Awards & Milestones

Connor McDavid captured his fifth Ted Lindsay Award as the NHL's most outstanding player, tying Wayne Gretzky for the second-most wins in the trophy's history. The Edmonton Oilers star continues to accumulate individual honors while maintaining his pursuit of a first Stanley Cup championship.

Arena Developments

The Dallas Stars moved closer to relocating to Plano after the city council approved $700 million in public funding toward a approximately $1 billion development project at The Shops of Willow Bend. The substantial public investment represents a significant step forward for the franchise's planned arena relocation.

Team Dynamics

Carolina's defensive corps has been managing family expansion with three Hurricanes defensemen recently welcoming new children, creating unique challenges as the team competes for hockey's ultimate prize. The organization has implemented support systems to help players balance parental responsibilities with the demands of a Stanley Cup Final run.