NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: June 9, 2026, 8:50 PM ET

AWARDS & HONORS

Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog captured two major awards on Tuesday, winning both the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award and the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in recognition of his resilience and leadership through injury challenges. Oilers star Connor McDavid tied Wayne Gretzky with his fifth Ted Lindsay Award, cementing his status as the NHL's most outstanding player according to peer voting. Meanwhile, Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy claimed his second Vezina Trophy as the league's top netminder, and Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki won the Selke Trophy as the NHL's premier two-way forward, with teammate Cole Caufield taking home the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship.

STANLEY CUP FINAL GAME 3 WRAP

Vegas seized a 2-1 series lead with a chaotic double-overtime victory that saw both teams score four consecutive goals each before the decisive goal capped a wild Game 3 performance. The win repositioned the Golden Knights as Stanley Cup favorites heading into Tuesday's Game, with the team now two victories away from capturing their second championship in four years. Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour declined to name his starting goaltender for Game 4 while acknowledging he doesn't anticipate major lineup changes despite falling behind in the series. Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb earned praise from teammates after playing through facial injuries requiring two dozen stitches and a caged helmet in his return to action.

GAME 4 PREVIEW & ANALYSIS

Sports Line's projection model identifies Carolina as slight favorites for Tuesday's pivotal Game 4 matchup, though Vegas regained betting market favoritism following their double-OT triumph. Analyst Scott Erskine points to Mitch Marner's historic performance as a key factor, noting the Vegas star recorded the fastest hat trick in Stanley Cup Final history during the Game 3 victory. Pavel Dorofeyev enters the finals tied for the playoff goal-scoring lead, while the Hurricanes juggle family responsibilities with three defensemen recently welcoming new children. John Tortorella's coaching has revitalized the Golden Knights since his late-season hiring, with the veteran bench boss pressing all the right tactical buttons throughout the postseason run. The Conn Smythe Trophy race features multiple legitimate candidates from both finalists, with goaltending performances likely determining the MVP outcome.

COACHING MOVES & FRONT OFFICE

The Los Angeles Kings completed their coaching search by hiring veteran Peter Laviolette, whose track record of playoff success provides immediate credibility though questions persist about his long-term fit with the organization's rebuilding timeline. Edmonton moved closer to finalizing Mike Babcock as their next head coach, with the 63-year-old Stanley Cup winner poised to return to the NHL after previous stops in Detroit and Toronto. Brind'Amour maintained his Game 4 strategy remained largely unchanged despite the series deficit, suggesting lineup stability will be paramount in Vegas.

PLAYER MOVEMENT & CONTRACTS

Wild forward Michael McCarron avoided free agency by signing a six-year, $20 million extension, rewarding his productive play after arriving via midseason trade from Montreal. Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin submitted a trade request by providing a three-team list of preferred destinations, potentially ending his tenure as the franchise face after years of speculation about his future. Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka denied concerns about Auston Matthews seeking an exit from Toronto, stating the captain remains committed to the organization despite ongoing trade chatter. Hilary Knight completed a sign-and-trade arrangement that will send the five-time U.S. Olympian from Las Vegas to Detroit's PWHL expansion team, marking one of women's hockey's most significant transactions.

LEAGUE BUSINESS & TRIBUTES

Stars ownership advanced plans for a Plano facility move after city council approval of $700 million in public funding toward what would become a roughly $1 billion development project at The Shops of Willow Bend. The hockey community mourned two significant losses this week, as former Sabres player and general manager Gerry Meehan died at 79 and Hall of Fame executive Cliff Fletcher, known as "Trader Cliff" for his wheeling and dealing that led Calgary to the 1989 Stanley Cup, also passed away. Meanwhile, the NHL's "Stanley Pup" adoptable dog competition debuted Monday across U.S. and Canadian broadcasts, providing lighter fare during the championship series.

BETTING MARKET ACTIVITY

Sports Line's model offers specific Game 4 recommendations for Tuesday's Stanley Cup Final action, targeting Mitch Marner among other potential prop bets. Bettors can access promotional offers through Bet MGM's CBSSPORTS bonus code providing up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their initial wager loses, while Draft Kings promises $200 in bonus bets after a minimum $5 first wager on the championship action.