NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: May 14, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

NHL Coaching & Personnel Moves

The Toronto Maple Leafs officially parted ways with head coach Craig Berube on Wednesday after just two seasons, signaling a major offseason overhaul for the franchise facing continued regression expectations. Meanwhile, on the personnel front, the Columbus Blue Jackets secured center Charlie Coyle on a six-year contract extension valued at $36 million, while the Carolina Hurricanes announced a two-year deal for forward Mark Jankowski, averaging $1.85 million annually, as teams begin addressing their summer rosters. Elsewhere, Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas stated he would "love" to retain longtime center Evgeni Malkin for a 21st season with the team.

Stanley Cup Playoff Drama & Suspensions

The Western Conference semifinal series saw the Colorado Avalanche complete a stunning comeback, erasing a 3-0 deficit against the Minnesota Wild to win Game 5 in overtime, 4-3, and advance to the Western Conference finals. This collapse left the Wild feeling 'empty' after blowing the three-goal first-period lead, a painful end to their campaign, which included defenseman Josh Manson receiving a $5,000 fine—the maximum allowed—for a stick infraction against Wild center Michael McCarron. In separate playoff action, Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb was issued a one-game suspension for an interference infraction against Ryan Poehling, meaning he will miss Thursday's pivotal Game, which follows Dorofeyev's overtime winner that gave Vegas a 3-2 series lead over the Ducks.

Eastern Conference Series Updates & Player Milestones

The Buffalo Sabres managed to force a decisive Game 5 in their series against Montreal after Zach Benson scored on his 21st birthday during a third-period power play, leading to a 3-2 victory that evened the semifinal at 2-2. The Sabres opted to return Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to the net for that crucial Game 4 matchup. Separately, Avalanche star Nathan Mac Kinnon suffered a bloody nose after being struck by a puck during Monday's Game 4 against Minnesota, though Colorado still managed the win, while the Avs' increased physicality—doubling their regular-season hit rate—has playoff contenders concerned. On the international stage, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will join Team Canada for his fourth appearance at the men's world hockey championships.

League Accolades & Offseason Outlook

Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer secured the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year, becoming the first unanimous selection for the award in 33 years. Meanwhile, off-ice developments included the announcement of finalists for the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award, with voting open until May. the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) announced expansion, adding new franchises in Las Vegas and Hamilton, Ontario, with a 12th site still pending, and the league's upcoming draft class is anchored by five members of the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic team, including defender Caroline Harvey. Prospective top draft pick Gavin McKenna, whose journey spans from Whitehorse to Penn State, is expected to be the first name called in the upcoming NHL Draft.

Betting Markets & Legal Matters

As the playoffs progress, sportsbooks offered significant promotional incentives, with both Draft Kings offering $100 in bonus bets and Bet MGM providing up to $1,500 in first-bet insurance for Wednesday's slate, which included NBA action alongside NHL playoff matchups, matchups. Separately, legal proceedings continued in the case involving the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, as the accused driver’s attorneys argued for the dismissal of charges based on discrepancies reported in blood alcohol level testing.