NHL Hockey 8 Hours

Last updated: May 24, 2026, 5:55 AM ET

International Hockey & Memorial Cup

A pair of upsets reshaped the early stages of the IIHF World Championship, as Latvia stunned the United States 4-2 behind two empty-net goals from Sandis Vilmanis, handing the defending champions their third loss of the tournament. Canada remained untouchable, crushing Slovenia 3-1 to improve to a perfect 5-0, while the defending champs' struggles raise questions about their medal contention. Meanwhile, the Western Hockey League's champion Everett Silvertips opened the Memorial Cup with a 5-3 win over Chicoutimi, powered in part by right wing Jesse Heslop's goal as the team looked to carry momentum from their WHL title run.

Playoff Series in Focus

The Eastern Conference finals swung back and forth, with the series now tied 1-1 heading to Montreal after a Hurricanes meltdown in Game. Star defenseman Jaccob Slavin accepted full blame for the loss, admitting he handed the Canadiens the game after an uncharacteristic defensive collapse. Across the Western Conference, the Avalanche saw their 1-0 lead evaporate in a 3-1 Game 2 defeat to the Golden Knights, as coach Jared Bednar lamented missed chances to extend the advantage. Expert analysts weigh in on both series matchups, offering their picks as the penultimate round heats up.

Collectibles

Off the ice, the hockey memorabilia market delivered a headline of its own. A 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie card fetched $540,000 including buyer's premium at Fanatics Collect's May Premier Auction, shattering the previous record for an autographed hockey card and signaling continued appetite from elite collectors.