NHL Hockey 3 Hours

Last updated: May 22, 2026, 8:52 PM ET

Western Conference Finals Heat Up

The Golden Knights’ 5‑2 victory in Game 1 set the tone for the series, with a 30‑second power‑play goal from a rookie line that caught the Canadiens off‑balance. The Canadiens’ defense, however, struggled to contain the Knights’ forechecking, prompting coach John Hynes to shift to a 4‑3‑1 setup for Game. Analysts note that the Knights’ ability to generate even‑strength chances—averaging 28 shots per game—will be a key focus, while the Canadiens must tighten their penalty killing to avoid repeating the 7‑goal concession in the first period. The series now hinges on whether Carolina can force a 3‑0 deficit before the Knights adjust.

Semifinal Lineup Overview

The semifinal slate opens Wednesday with four clubs poised to clash. The Vegas Golden Knights will face the Dallas Stars, whose goaltender has a 2.06 GAA in the playoffs and a confidence rating that has climbed 15 percent since the regular season. The Colorado Avalanche, meanwhile, will take on the Boston Bruins, with both teams boasting offensive lines that have averaged 1.8 power‑play goals per game. Coaches will likely emphasize puck possession, as both playoff series have seen the top two teams leading the league in Corsi percentage. The matchups promise high‑stakes battles that could reshape the Eastern and Western Conference leaders.

PWHL Coaching Shake‑Ups

The Seattle Torrent’s inaugural season finished at the bottom of the PWHL standings, leading to the dismissal of head coach Steve O'Rourke. The move follows a 12‑game losing streak that left the team with a 0.25 goal‑difference margin. In Hamilton, former Olympian Meghan Duggan has been appointed general manager, bringing experience from her NCAA coaching career. Meanwhile, Troy Ryan has departed Toronto for San Jose, where he will oversee the new expansion franchise. These personnel changes aim to inject fresh strategies into the league’s growing competitive landscape.