NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: May 16, 2026, 2:48 PM ET

Playoff Turmoil & Coaching Changes

The NHL postseason continued its chaotic pace as two high-profile coaches were dismissed within hours of each other. The Edmonton Oilers fired coach Kris Knoblauch on Wednesday, despite his having led the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025. The move came a day after the Toronto Maple Leafs parted ways with Craig Berube following two seasons. The flurry of dismissals underscores the immense pressure on teams expected to contend, with both the Oilers and Leafs having underperformed relative to regular-season expectations. The decisions also raise immediate questions about the futures of their respective general managers, particularly Edmonton's Stan Bowman, whose roster construction has been heavily criticized.

On the ice, series continued to deliver dramatic conclusions. The Colorado Avalanche stormed back from a 3-0 deficit midway through the second period to defeat the Minnesota Wild 4-3 in overtime, capping a historic rally to win the best-of-seven series and advance to the Western Conference finals. The victory was particularly crushing for the Wild, who had blown a three-goal first-period lead in Game, a collapse that left the team and its veteran core feeling empty. The Golden Knights, meanwhile, closed out their series against the Anaheim Ducks with a 5-1 victory in Game, advancing behind Mitch Marner's highlight-reel between-the-legs goal. Vegas now awaits the winner of the Avalanche-Wild series. The Knights, however, were dealt a suspension as defenseman Brayden McNabb was banned for one game for an interference hit that injured Ryan Poehling.

Goaltending Questions & Series Leverage

In the Eastern Conference, the Buffalo Sabres' second-round series against the Montreal Canadiens is tied 2-2 following a 6-3 loss in Game 5 that resurfaced longstanding goaltending concerns. A fluky bank shot proved pivotal in Buffalo's Game 4 win, but consistency in net remains a question as the series shifts back to Montreal. The Canadiens, meanwhile, can close out the series on Saturday, with the Carolina Hurricanes waiting in the conference final. The pressure is mounting on Buffalo's netminders to stabilize as the series reaches a critical juncture.

International & Women’s Hockey Expansion

At the IIHF World Championship, Canada continued its strong start. Macklin Celebrini scored twice and added an assist in a dominant 6-0 victory over Italy, improving the Canadians to 2-0. Earlier in the tournament, Canada had held off Sweden 5-3 in a tighter contest to open the event. The performances highlight the depth of Canadian talent, even as the focus remains on the NHL playoffs.

Off the ice, the PWHL announced a significant expansion. The league is bringing women's hockey to the San Francisco Bay Area by awarding an expansion franchise to San Jose, completing the league's latest round of market growth. The PWHL is also expanding to Vegas and Hamilton, Ontario, with a 12th site still to be determined, signaling the league's aggressive push to establish itself as a premier women's professional circuit. In a front-office move, former goaltender Manon Rheaume was named GM of the PWHL's new Detroit franchise, becoming one of the few women to hold such a role in a major professional hockey league.

Rookie Honors & Prospect Watch

Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year, receiving all 100 first-place votes to become the first unanimous winner in 33 years. His achievement underscores a strong rookie class that also includes offensive catalysts like the Hurricanes' Taylor Hall, whose resurgence has been a key factor in Carolina's postseason success. Meanwhile, the spotlight remains on the expected 2025 NHL Entry Draft, where Gavin McKenna is poised to be the No. 1 pick. The Yukon-born forward's journey from Whitehorse to Penn State has made him one of the most intriguing prospects in recent years.

Transactions & Future Moves

The Chicago Blackhawks inked KHL forward Roman Kantserov to a three-year entry-level contract, adding a proven scorer from Russia's top league. In Vancouver, the Canucks named Ryan Johnson GM while promoting Daniel and Henrik Sedin to co-presidents of hockey operations, a significant restructuring of the hockey department. the Minnesota Wild are exploring offseason plans, with star defenseman Quinn Hughes open to an extension but also a potential trade candidate as the team assesses its core