NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

NHL Coaching & Front Office Moves

The Toronto Maple Leafs initiated a major overhaul by firing head coach Craig Berube on Wednesday following two seasons marked by regression, signaling that the organization faces numerous critical decisions heading into the offseason . This immediate move comes as the team seeks a new direction after Berube’s tenure ended abruptly. Separately, in personnel management news, the Columbus Blue Jackets secured center Charlie Coyle with a new six-year contract extension valued at $36 million, locking down a key forward through his early 30s. Furthermore, Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas expressed a desire to retain veteran center Evgeni Malkin, stating he would "love" to have the longtime star return for a 21st season with the franchise.

Stanley Cup Playoff Action & Discipline

The Western Conference semifinal series between the Colorado Avalanche and the Minnesota Wild tightened as Colorado snapped a lull to claim a pivotal Game 4 victory, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead. This victory followed a physical confrontation where Avs defenseman Josh Manson was fined the maximum allowable $5,000 for using the blunt end of his stick against Wild center Michael McCarron. McCarron subsequently labeled Manson "a dirty player", though the Avs were clearly ramping up their intensity, doubling their regular-season rate for hits in the series. Meanwhile, Avalanche star Nathan Mac Kinnon briefly left Game 4 after being struck in the face by a puck from teammate Devon Toews, though he returned after receiving treatment for a bloody nose. In other playoff matchups, the Vegas Golden Knights edged closer to the Western Conference Finals after Pavel Dorofeyev scored his second goal in overtime to secure a 3-2 series lead against the Ducks. That Vegas contest also saw defenseman Brayden McNabb ejected for a hard check into the boards on Ducks forward Ryan Poehling.

Eastern Conference Semifinals & Player Milestones

The Eastern Conference battle saw the Buffalo Sabres force a pivotal Game 5 against the Montreal Canadiens after Zach Benson broke a tie on a third-period power play during his 21st birthday, helping Buffalo secure a 3-2 win Tuesday night. The Sabres relied on Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in net for Game 4, and the team's ability to tie the series at 2-2 was aided by a "freakish bank shot" off the boards from Tage Thompson . Despite Buffalo leveling the series, the Canadiens remained favored to advance against the Sabres, with the Carolina Hurricanes awaiting the winner. Speaking of the Hurricanes, the team confirmed retaining forward Mark Jankowski, signing the 31-year-old to a two-year extension averaging $1.85 million annually, while their own playoff run continues with Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall maintaining his MVP form.

Betting Markets & Global Hockey

The focus on playoff intensity coincided with significant activity in sports wagering markets, where promotions were heavily advertised for Wednesday's slate of games. Bettors could utilize the Bet MGM promo code CBSSPORTS to receive $1,500 in bonus bets if their initial wager lost across NBA, MLB, and NHL betting. Similarly, Draft Kings offered $100 in instant bonus bets after just a $5 wager for Wednesday's action, mirroring similar offers available for Sunday's slate. On the international front, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is set to bolster Team Canada's roster for the upcoming men's world hockey championships, marking his fourth appearance in the tournament.

League Expansion & Legal Matters

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) announced plans for significant expansion, adding new markets in Las Vegas and Hamilton, Ontario, with a twelfth site still to be determined to create a full dozen teams. The league is also preparing for its upcoming draft, which features a 235-player pool headed by five members of the U.S. Olympic gold medal-winning team, including defender Caroline Harvey. Separately, in a somber legal development, the judge upheld the charges against the driver accused in the deaths of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau's siblings, rejecting arguments from the defense team that sought dismissal over discrepancies reported in the driver's blood alcohol level documentation.

Prospects & Community Recognition

In prospect news, the trajectory of Gavin McKenna, who has moved from Whitehorse, Yukon, through Medicine Hat to Penn State, positions him as the expected No. 1 pick in the upcoming NHL draft. Meanwhile, the NHL announced the six finalists—three from the U.S. and three from Canada—for the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award, with voting remaining open until May 24 before the winners are revealed in June.