NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: May 18, 2026, 8:48 PM ET

Playoff Discipline & Matchup Preview

The NHL handed down significant penalties for post-series conduct, stripping the Golden Knights of their second-round draft pick and fining coach John Tortorella $100,000 for the team's media boycott after eliminating the Wild. The discipline sets a stern precedent as the Knights prepare for their Western Conference final clash with the Avalanche, a series that will determine the West's Stanley Cup representative. In the East, the Sabres-Canadiens Game 7 climaxed the second round, with both teams' X-factors—like Buffalo's power-play efficiency and Montreal's goaltending—under scrutiny as the winner advances to face the Hurricanes.

World Championship Highlights

At the men's world championship, Canada continued its dominant run. Sidney Crosby dished out four assists in a five-goal third period to fuel a 5-1 rout of Denmark, while Macklin Celebrini scored twice and added an assist in a 6-0 victory over Italy, lifting the Canadians to 2-0. The defending champion United States rebounded from a loss to Switzerland with a 5-1 win over tournament newcomer Britain, showcasing depth after a sluggish start.

Roster Moves & Injuries

Star defenseman Quinn Hughes, eligible for an extension July 1, told reporters he is "definitely open" to a long-term deal to remain with the Wild, a boost for a team that saw its second-round exit compounded by injuries to veterans Jonas Brodin and Joel Eriksson Ek, both sidelined by broken foot bones against Colorado. Meanwhile, the Oilers made a stunning decision, firing coach Kris Knoblauch despite his having led the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals and a freshly unsigned contract extension.

Women's Hockey Expansion

The professional women's game continues its growth: the PWHL announced San Jose as its fourth and final expansion market for the Bay Area, while former goaltender Manon Rheaume was named GM of the Detroit franchise, becoming one of the few women to hold such a role in a major men's sports league front office.

Betting & Odds Landscape

The sports betting market heavily promoted Monday's Game 7 between the Canadiens and Sabres, with Draft Kings offering $100 in bonus bets for a first $5 wager and Bet MGM providing $1,500 in bonus bets if the initial bet loses, reflecting the high-stakes interest in the decisive matchup. Similar promotions were run for the weekend's slate, tying NHL playoff action to broader multi-sport parlay opportunities.