NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: May 14, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

NHL Coaching Carnage & Playoff Shocks

The NHL coaching carousel spun violently this week, highlighted by the stunning dismissal of Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch despite securing consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearances in 2024 and 2025, an action that sources suggest merely addresses deeper structural problems stemming from General Manager Stan Bowman's roster construction. Simultaneously, the Maple Leafs officially parted ways with Craig Berube after just two seasons, signaling a major offseason overhaul in Toronto following a sustained period of regression as detailed by CBS Sports NHL. This high-level turnover contrasts sharply with positive developments in other areas, such as Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer unanimously winning the Calder Memorial Trophy, becoming the first rookie of the year voted in unanimously in 33 years.

Western Conference Semifinal Drama

The Western Conference semifinals delivered high-stakes drama, with the Avalanche completing a massive comeback against the Wild, rallying from a 3-0 deficit in Game 5 to win in overtime, thus advancing to the Western Conference Finals. That victory was preceded by Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson being fined the maximum allowable $5,000 for a stick infraction against Wild center Michael McCarron, an incident McCarron later labeled as Manson playing like a 'dirty player', though Manson had just returned from a five-game absence for the pivotal contest. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights, despite Pavel Dorofeyev scoring the OT winner in Game 5 to take a 3-2 series lead, will be without defenseman Brayden McNabb for Game 6 after he received a one-game suspension for his interference on Ducks forward Ryan Poehling, setting up a tight Game 6 that analysts predicted should necessitate a decisive Game.

Eastern Conference Upsets & Player Milestones

In the East, the Buffalo Sabres managed to tie their series at 2-2 against Montreal after Zach Benson scored the game-winner on his 21st birthday during a third-period power play, a pivotal goal in a contest where Buffalo returned Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to the net. This series saw Montreal, initially favored to advance at +950 odds, struggling offensively in the loss, while Sabres forward Alex Tuch was noted as a strong player prop bet for Tuesday's slate of games. Elsewhere, the Hurricanes bolstered their roster stability by signing forward Mark Jankowski to a two-year extension averaging $1.85 million annually, as their core, featuring Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall, prepares for the next round.

Offseason Moves & League Administration

While playoff battles raged, clubs began planning their futures, with the Blue Jackets securing center Charlie Coyle on a long-term commitment of six years and $36 million, and Penguins GM Kyle Dubas expressing his strong desire to retain longtime center Evgeni Malkin for a 21st season. The league also saw administrative activity, including the announcement that the PWHL is expanding into Las Vegas and Hamilton, Ontario, with a 12th site yet to be determined, building anticipation for the upcoming draft class expected to be led by five U.S. Olympic gold medalists. In administrative news unrelated to team personnel, the NHL announced the finalists for the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award, with voting open until May 24.

Betting Markets & Player Futures

The confluence of MLB and NHL action created substantial promotional opportunities across major sportsbooks mid-week; betting platforms like Draft Kings offered $100 in bonus bets instantly after a minimal $5 wager on Wednesday, matching the $1,500 first-bet insurance offered by Bet MGM using the CBSSPORTS code. As the playoffs continued Thursday, these promotions shifted focus to MLB matchups like Red Sox-Phillies, still offering the $1,500 bonus bet structure. Beyond immediate playoff outcomes, the drafting pool remains a major talking point, with prospect Gavin McKenna's path to the expected No. 1 pick drawing significant attention from scouts projecting his next stop after Medicine Hat and Penn State. The league also saw a grim update regarding the legal proceedings involving the accused driver in the Gaudreau brothers' deaths, as the judge upheld the charges despite defense arguments concerning blood alcohol level reporting discrepancies.