NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: May 22, 2026, 2:54 AM ET

Eastern Conference Finals: Canadiens Stun Hurricanes

The Montreal Canadiens pounced early on the Hurricanes, scoring four first-period goals against a Carolina team that looked rusty following their historic 11-day playoff layoff - the longest such break since 1919. The Canadiens' dominant Game 1 performance earned them a commanding series lead after their road warrior mentality continued to shine throughout the postseason. Despite the loss, Hurricanes star defenseman Jaccob Slavin shouldered responsibility for the defensive breakdown, acknowledging his role in the uncharacteristic collapse that ended Carolina's perfect playoff run. The defeat came as a shock to Hurricanes fans known for their passionate support, the so-called "Caniacs" who bring a unique college football-like atmosphere to the NHL with their elaborate tailgating and enthusiastic displays.

Western Conference Finals: Golden Knights Take Advantage of Makar Absence

With star defenseman Cale Makar sidelined by an upper-body injury, the Colorado Avalanche hardly resembled the top-seeded team that dominated the first two rounds, ultimately falling to the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in Game 1. Dylan Coghlan scored his first playoff goal to get Vegas rolling while goalie Carter Hart made 36 saves to secure the victory. Makar's absence was confirmed when he sat out another practice session on the eve of the Western Conference finals, a significant blow to Colorado's championship hopes as the Avalanche had yet to lose a home playoff game in this year's tournament. The Golden Knights' opening win extended their series momentum after their impressive run through the first two rounds, putting them in strong position to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

Coaching Carousel: Ruff Rewarded, Foote Fired

The Buffalo Sabres rewarded coach Lindy Ruff with a two-year extension after his leadership guided the team back to the NHL playoffs, ending a franchise-record 14-season postseason drought. Despite being eliminated by the Canadiens in a dramatic seven-game series, including a heartbreaking 3-2 overtime loss in Game, the Sabres organization viewed the season as a giant step forward. In contrast, the Vancouver Canucks fired first-year coach Adam Foote after he compiled a 25-49-8 record in his only season at the helm. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils confirmed that Sheldon Keefe will return as coach after new general manager Sunny Mehta completed his evaluation of the organization. The Vegas Golden Knights have drawn interest from multiple teams regarding their vacant coaching position, but the team has yet to grant permission for interviews with Bruce Cassidy.

International Hockey: Scheifele Leads Canada to Victory

In international competition, Mark Scheifele scored three goals for Team Canada at the ice hockey world championship, including the game-winner just 29 seconds into overtime in a 6-5 victory over Norway. Earlier in the tournament, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby delivered four assists in Canada's 5-1 rout of Denmark, showcasing his continued impact on the international stage. The United States also advanced to the next round after Ryan Leonard scored the decisive penalty in a 4-3 shootout victory over Germany. Meanwhile, Hungary earned its first tournament victory with a convincing 5-0 shutout of Britain, a newcomer to the top division. These results added to the competitive landscape at the world championship, which continues to feature NHL players alongside international stars.

League Developments: PWHL Expansion and Draft Prospects

The Professional Women's Hockey League completed its expansion with the addition of San Jose, growing the league to 12 teams as it continues to establish itself as a premier women's hockey organization. In Montreal, Abby Roche scored two goals to lead the Montreal Victoire to their first PWHL championship with a 4-0 victory over the Ottawa Charge in Game 4 of the Walter Cup Finals. On the draft front, prospect Gavin McKenna's journey from Whitehorse, Yukon, to Penn State has positioned him as the expected No. 1 pick in this year's NHL draft, with scouts impressed by his development path and potential to become a franchise player.

Free Agency and Contract Movements

Several key players are facing important offseason decisions as free agency approaches. Buffalo forward Alex Tuch, who struggled mightily against the Canadiens in the second round, will hit free agency this summer despite his disappointing playoff performance, with his agent Scott Bartlett stating that his struggles won't affect his next contract. Meanwhile, Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes has expressed he is "definitely open" to signing a contract extension with the team, signaling his desire to remain with the franchise long-term. In Washington, the Capitals have re-signed defenseman Timothy Liljegren to a two-year contract worth $6.5 million, adding stability to their blue line for the upcoming seasons.

Playoff Analysis and Conn Smythe Watch

As the conference finals begin, experts have identified several legitimate candidates for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. The four remaining teams each have players who have elevated their games significantly during the postseason, with several candidates emerging as frontrunners based on their consistent impact. The semifinal round features intriguing matchups that could further shape the MVP race, with experts noting specific goalie confidence ratings and X