NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: June 10, 2026, 11:46 PM ET

Stanley Cup Final

Jordan Staal's remarkable performance lifted Carolina past Vegas in Game, scoring both the tying and go-ahead goals in a 5-3 victory that evened the series at two games apiece. The Hurricanes captain netted the winner while lying on his stomach during a chaotic third-period sequence, showcasing the desperation that has defined this matchup. With the series now shifting to a best-of-three format, Carolina opened as favorites to capture the championship, while analysts are targeting players like Pavel Dorofeyev as key contributors for Thursday's pivotal Game 5 in Raleigh. The back-and-forth nature has created major adjustments for both coaching staffs heading into the decisive games.

Coaching Changes & Player Contracts

Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland secured Peter Laviolette as the team's new head coach, banking on the veteran's experience to revitalize an offense that ranked among the league's worst last season. The move comes alongside significant contract news as the Minnesota Wild locked up Michael McCarron to a six-year, $20 million extension, removing a productive forward from the free agent market after his strong finish following a March trade. Meanwhile, Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin submitted a trade list containing three potential destinations, signaling the end of an era in Hockeytown as the 27-year-old seeks a fresh start elsewhere.

Awards & Individual Honors

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog captured two prestigious honors on Tuesday, winning both the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award and the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in recognition of his comeback from career-threatening injuries. The 31-year-old left wing overcame significant adversity to return to the ice, leading Colorado's leadership core while maintaining consistent offensive production. These awards highlight the increasing importance of character and perseverance in today's NHL, where nearly 15% of roster spots this season were filled by undrafted players who carved out careers through determination rather than pedigree.

Professional Women's Hockey

The Toronto Sceptres named Pascal Rheaume head coach on Wednesday, making him the second member of his family to join the Professional Women's Hockey League this spring following his brother's front office appointment. In Boston, Susanna Tapani re-signed with the Fleet as part of the league's ongoing expansion strategy, while the Seattle Torrent secured forward Julia Gosling to continue building their inaugural roster. These moves represent the PWHL's systematic approach to establishing competitive franchises ahead of their second season.

NHL Draft Preparation

Buffalo hosted the league's annual scouting combine this week as teams evaluated prospects ahead of the June draft, with the next wave of talent undergoing physical testing and interviews. The event provided crucial intel for organizations looking to identify players who can contribute immediately, particularly relevant given the success of undrafted free agents who now comprise a significant portion of NHL rosters. Scouts focused heavily on skating ability and hockey IQ while weighing prospects against the backdrop of teams seeking immediate impact players through all avenues.