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NHL Hockey 8 Hours

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6 articles summarized · Last updated: LATEST

Last updated: May 20, 2026, 5:48 PM ET

Coaching & Playoff Setup

The Buffalo Sabres extended Lindy Ruff's contract through 2027 after the 66-year-old coach ended a franchise-record 14-year postseason drought, rewarding him with stability as Buffalo looks to build on last spring's breakthrough. Across the Eastern Conference, the Carolina Hurricanes will face the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 having endured an 11-day playoff layoff — the longest gap between series in franchise history, dating back to 1919 — after sweeping their first two rounds.

Injury Impact

Cale Makar will sit out Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday, a significant blow to Colorado's defense as they chase a second straight Stanley Cup. The absence reshapes a series already framed as one of the marquee matchups of this postseason, with both teams entering with momentum from their earlier-round sweeps.

Betting & Odds

Sportsbooks are pricing the Thunder-Spurs and Avalanche-Golden Knights as the day's marquee plays, with betting promos offering up to $1,500 in bonus bets through Bet MGM code CBSSPORTS and $100 instant bonus bets from Draft Kings on a first $5 wager. The projection models flag both contests as top value plays heading into Wednesday's slate.