NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: May 26, 2026, 11:50 AM ET

NHL Playoff Landscape

The Golden Knights completed a stunning four-game sweep of the Avalanche on Tuesday, advancing to the Western Conference Final with a 5-2 victory in Denver. Vegas capitalized on Nathan Mac Kinnon’s absence due to a lower-body injury, a blow confirmed by coach Jared Bednar who stated the Hart Trophy finalist would be limited if he plays at all. The Avs’ frustration boiled over after Game, where they lamented missed opportunities in a 3-1 loss after failing to extend a 1-0 lead. Sportsbooks heavily favored the Avalanche, but the sweep sent shockwaves through the playoff futures market.

In the Eastern Conference Final, the Hurricanes grabbed a 2-1 series lead over the Canadiens with a 4-3 overtime win in Game. Jaccob Slavin shouldered blame for an uncharacteristic defensive lapse in Game, but the Canes’ depth has been the story. Montreal, however, has mastered the art of 'bouncing forward', with contributions up and down the lineup keeping them within striking distance of their first Cup since 1993. Carolina’s defense, typically stout, has shown cracks that Montreal’s speed exploits.

Betting & Promotions

DraftKings and Bet MGM unleashed identical $100/$1,500 bonus offers for Tuesday and Monday’s pivotal playoff games, targeting high-stakes matchups like Thunder-Spurs and the Avs-Knights series. The promotions, requiring only a $5 initial wager, reflect the intense betting interest in the conference finals. Sports Line’s model released its Game 4 picks for Hurricanes-Canadiens, while its proven algorithm also gave an overview of the Avs-Knights finale, underscoring the data-driven betting landscape.

International & Junior Hockey

At the IIHF World Championship, the United States suffered a stunning 4-2 upset to Latvia, their third loss of the tournament, after Sandis Vilmanis scored two empty-net goals. The defeat complicates their quarterfinal path. Conversely, Canada remained perfect at 5-0 following a 3-1 win over Slovenia, with Sidney Crosby adding his seventh assist and Macklin Celebrini scoring. The Americans later recovered to beat Hungary 7-3, keeping slim hopes alive.

In junior hockey, the Memorial Cup opened with Everett winning the WHL-champion Silvertips edging Chicoutimi 5-3. The Sagueneens later avenged the loss with a 3-2 overtime victory on Liam Lefebvre’s second goal, setting up a crucial matchup in the round-robin.

Transactions & Injuries

Maple Leafs forward Max Domi was ruled out indefinitely after complications from offseason surgery, a significant loss for Toronto’s forward depth. The Canadiens, meanwhile, have become the sporting world’s epicenter in Montreal, with the city buzzing for a potential Cup run not seen since their 1993 championship. The nostalgia and current success have created a unique sporting revival.

Collectibles & Culture

A 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie card sold for a record $540,000 in Fanatics Collect’s May Premier Auction, the highest price ever for an autographed hockey card. The sale highlights the booming market for vintage hockey memorabilia, driven by the sport’s growing global popularity and the legacy of its icons.