HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing

NHL Hockey 24 Hours

×
15 articles summarized · Last updated: LATEST

Last updated: June 11, 2026, 11:54 AM ET

Stanley Cup Final: Hurricanes Host Golden Knights in Pivotal Game 5

Carolina evened the series 2-2 with a dramatic 5-3 victory over Vegas on Tuesday, as Jordan Staal scored the game-winning goal while lying on his stomach in the third period. The win shifted momentum back to the Hurricanes, who now host Game 5 in Raleigh on Thursday with series favorites billing despite the tie. Vegas faces goaltending concerns after Adin Hill allowed five goals on 28 shots, while Carolina's balanced attack featured six different goal scorers across the first four games. Sports Line's model favors Carolina's chances at home, citing their stronger defensive metrics and special teams efficiency that has outperformed Vegas' power play.

Undrafted Players Shape Stanley Cup Final Rosters

Both Stanley Cup Final teams feature significant contributions from undrafted players, reflecting a league-wide trend where nearly 15% of NHL roster spots in 2025-26 belong to players who went unsigned through seven draft rounds. Six undrafted skaters compete in this series, including Vegas forward Pavel Dorofeyev, who emerged as a key offensive threat after signing as a free agent. The Hurricanes rely on undrafted defensemen for crucial minutes, while both clubs prioritize organizational depth over draft pedigree when building championship-caliber lineups.

Team Transactions and Coaching Moves

Minnesota locked up forward Michael McCarron with a six-year, $20 million contract extension, removing a potential free agent from the market after his productive post-trade deadline performance. The Los Angeles Kings hired veteran coach Peter Laviolette to revitalize their struggling offense, which ranked 27th in goals per game last season. In women's hockey, former NHL player Pascal Rheaume took over coaching duties for the Toronto Sceptres, joining his family in the Professional Women's Hockey League after his daughter was drafted by another PWHL team earlier this spring.

Awards and League Recognition

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog captured two major honors on Tuesday, winning both the Mark Messier Leadership Award and Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. The Masterton recognition acknowledged his comeback from season-ending knee surgery, while the Messier Award validated his veteran leadership during Colorado's playoff push. Landeskog becomes the first player since 2019 to win both awards in the same season, highlighting his dual impact on and off the ice.

Professional Women's Hockey League Expansion Continues

The PWHL opened its expansion process with key re-signings, as Boston retained All-Star forward Susanna Tapani and Seattle inked forward Julia Gosling to new contracts. These moves signal aggressive roster building ahead of the league's growth plans, with Tapani's scoring consistency and Gosling's two-way play representing core pieces for their respective franchises. The signings precede additional expansion announcements expected later this summer as the PWHL broadens its geographic footprint.