Wild vs. Avalanche Game 2: Key takeaways as Colorado takes a commanding 2-0 series lead
For the ninth time in franchise history, the Wild are facing an uphill climb from 2-0 down to attempt to win a series.
Ice Hockey
6th May 2026
NHL Mock Draft 2026: Gavin McKenna to the Toronto Maple Leafs as we pick for every lottery team
After the lottery concluded Tuesday, a collection of our NHL reporters combined for a mock draft of the first 16 picks.
2026 NHL Draft Lottery takeaways: Gavin McKenna's readiness, Caleb Malhotra's ascent and more
Here’s everything Scott Wheeler is thinking about and hearing after Tuesday night's NHL Draft Lottery.
2026 NHL Calder Trophy finalists: Islanders' Schaefer remains heavy favorite
The Islanders' standout was joined by the Canadiens' Ivan Demidov and the Ducks' Beckett Sennecke in the award's top three.
NHL Draft Lottery 2026: Maple Leafs to select first overall
It will be the Toronto Maple Leafs selecting first overall at the 2026 NHL Draft in what is unlikely to be a popular development among most NHL fans. Toronto won the draft lottery, performed live on ESPN, on Tuesday after a sequence of four ping-pong balls bounced their way.
Toronto Maple Leafs win No. 1 pick at 2026 NHL Draft Lottery
Penn State forward Gavin McKenna is the projected top pick in the NHL Draft, which will be held in Buffalo in late June.
Beer sabres, skates and tusks: NHL, NBA teams surpassing MLB in souvenir cup innovations
While NHL teams introduce creative souvenir cups that are commanding big value, MLB teams are falling behind.
Lightning captain Victor Hedman reveals he missed end of season to focus on mental health
The Tampa Bay Lightning announced in March that captain Victor Hedman would be taking a temporary leave of absence, which wound up extending to the end of their season. Hedman revealed why on Tuesday.pic.twitter.
2026 Stanley Cup odds: Hurricanes, Avalanche lead the way ahead of Golden Knights, Canadiens
As the second round of the playoffs gets going, Carolina and Colorado are the current favorites to win the Stanley Cup.
Wild turn to Filip Gustavsson in net for Game 2 vs. Avalanche after allowing 9 goals in Game 1
Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt shared the Wild net in the regular season, but Wallstedt has started every playoff game so far.
Deciphering Evgeni Malkin’s NHL future: Penguins contract, new team or retirement?
Malkin's situation is complex. Here's a rundown of the intricacies and implications of each possible path.
Where to watch Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche Game 2 NHL playoffs: Live stream, start time, TV channel for Tuesday, May 5
The Minnesota Wild face the Colorado Avalanche in Game 2 of their second-round NHL playoff series. The Avalanche won a wild 9-6 game in the series opener on Sunday. Fourteen different players scored the 15 total goals in the game.
NHL frenzy peaks with lottery luck, front-office drama and playoff heroics
This is a frantically busy time in the hockey world, but fear not, we're here to help you keep up.
5th May 2026
Victor Hedman stepped away from Lightning to focus on his mental health
The 35-year-old defenseman missed the team’s final 15 regular-season games and the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Ten years later, Brett Howden is the unlikely fuel in Golden Knights' playoff run
Howden, a first-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2016 who took a bit of time to stick in the NHL, is Vegas' leading goal scorer in the postseason.
Wild's Quinn Hughes vs. Avs' Cale Makar: The playoffs' marquee matchup, as seen by mutual teammates
They may be the top two defensemen in the NHL, and in Game 1 of Wild-Avs, both showed it. How do their styles compare? We asked the experts.
Travis Konecny's miss on breakaway in overtime costs Flyers: 'It's got to go in'
Despite a costly miss, the Flyers largely met the moment against the best team in the East in a show of quick adaptation.
NHL Draft Lottery power rankings: Who needs it, who deserves it, who bumps the Leafs?
There are a number of ways the draft lottery could play out. Let’s dig into some of the possibilities.
Taylor Hall brought his 'B-minus game' to Hurricanes' Game 2 win, but it was enough
It may not have been pretty, but Hall, now a grizzled veteran leader, scored the game winner for Carolina in Game 2 against Philadelphia.
'An easy call': Ducks fume after icing wave-off leads to Golden Knights' winning goal
Ivan Barbashev's goal came at the end of a sequence Anaheim thought never should have happened.
John Chayka has a divisive reputation. Can he and the Maple Leafs overcome it?
The new Leafs GM faces a perception problem that appears to be widespread around the league.
The Maple Leafs are on the clock with Auston Matthews
For new Leafs GM John Chayka, keeping the superstar captain in the fold will be critical to delivering an expedited retool.
What's at stake in the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery? Top prospects, team needs, more
Here's what you need to know ahead of Tuesday night's NHL Draft Lottery.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens 2026 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs preview
A battle of two exciting up-and-coming teams should be another extremely close divisional matchup with the Sabres having a very slight edge.
How to watch 2026 NHL Draft Lottery: Start time, TV listing, odds for No. 1 pick
The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery is set to go down on Tuesday night. The future hides somewhere within 14 ping-pong balls in Secaucus, N.J.
Golden Knights vs. Ducks Game 1: Key takeaways as Vegas scores after icing wave-off
Vegas lost its lead in the third period but scored the winner with under five minutes remaining.
NHL 2025-26 Stanley Cup playoff chances and projected standings
Welcome to our 2025-26 NHL projections where you will find each team’s projected point total and chances of winning the Stanley Cup.
Hurricanes vs. Flyers Game 2: Key takeaways as Carolina prevails in OT
The series now shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Thursday and Game 4 on Saturday.
Maple Leafs confronted at John Chayka's introductory press conference for 'sham' hiring of 'con artist' new GM
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced the hire of John Chayka and Mats Sundin on Sunday, with Chayka set to join the team as general manager and Sundin set to become a senior executive advisor of hockey operations.
Maple Leafs introduce John Chayka and Mats Sundin: Key takeaways
New-look Maple Leafs front office faces tough questions about team's future as the Chayka-Sundin era begins.
Senators' Ridly Greig suspended 2 games for playoff sucker punches vs. Canes
The suspension will carry over into the 2026-27 NHL regular season, with the Senators eliminated from this year's playoffs.
Frost's Britta Curl-Salemme suspended 1 playoff game for illegal check to head
This is Curl-Salemme’s fourth suspension — and third for illegal head contact — since joining the PWHL last season.
Dahlin, Toews, Landeskog named finalists for NHL's Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
Blue Jackets forward Sean Monahan was last year's recipient of the award, which honors players for their perseverance.
NHL playoff predictions: Second-round winners, Stanley Cup champion and more
With the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs already underway, we made our picks for each series, conference champions and more.
4th May 2026
Sabres vs. Canadiens prediction: 6 key thoughts on Buffalo’s series against Montreal
The longtime division rivals, located about 400 miles apart, haven't met in the playoffs since the late '90s.
Avalanche's Game 1 win vs. Wild was a rollicking ride, but not one they want to repeat
Captain Gabe Landeskog on the 9-6 win: “It wasn’t necessarily a coach’s dream — or a player’s dream. … We've got things to clean up.".
K'Andre Miller showed why Hurricanes coveted him with diving Game 1 highlight
Plus, insider's notes on a bizarre high-sticking penalty, Carolina injuries and a chippy end to Game 1.
An asburd amount of goals, plus 3 Game 7s
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2026 NHL Draft ranking: Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg lead Wheeler's May top 64
McKenna and Stenberg remain Wheeler's top two prospects, which has been the case on all of his lists for this class.
Four straight years, 4 first-round playoff exits. What's next for the Lightning?
This year was supposed to be different. They were the bad boys, they were hungrier, they looked so damn good all year long. What went wrong?.
What I'm seeing from the PWHL playoffs: A physical start, a goalie battle and a hat trick
The PWHL playoffs have given us some incredible hockey through three games, including the league's first postseason hat trick.
The Maple Leafs aren't operating like a serious hockey team
John Chayka as GM, Mats Sundin as adviser. Is this really the best the Maple Leafs could do?.
How the NHL's youngest teams are pushing for the Stanley Cup
Four of the five youngest teams in the league at the start of the 2025-26 season are all into the second round of the playoffs.
Who will go No. 1 in 2026 NHL Draft? McKenna leads race ahead of lottery
A day before the NHL Draft Lottery, Corey Pronman handicaps the odds for which top prospect will go first in June.
NHL 2025-26 Stanley Cup playoff chances and projected standings
Welcome to our 2025-26 NHL projections where you will find each team’s projected point total and chances of winning the Stanley Cup.
Wild vs. Avalanche Game 1: Takeaways as Colorado wins 15-goal slugfest to open heavyweight series
Without two of their best defensive players, the Wild gave up seven five-on-five goals and nine total in a wild 9-6 loss to the Avalanche.
Lightning vs. Canadiens Game 7: Takeaways as Montreal completes upset to reach Round 2
Alex Newhook was the unlikely hero for the Canadiens in a 2-1 Game 7 victory over the Lightning.
Should Flyers keep Denver Barkey in the middle after he was their 'best player' in Game 1?
The Flyers’ primary roster concern is at center. Perhaps moving Barkey to the middle can provide a much-needed jolt.
Maple Leafs hire John Chayka and Mats Sundin to lead front office
Chayka is Toronto's new GM and Sundin, the longtime former captain, will join the team as senior executive adviser of hockey operations.
PWHL won't have an expansion draft as it adds teams. Here's what it's planning instead
As the PWHL prepares to grow, it is changing the expansion process "to protect as much player choice as possible.".
Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek out for Games 1 and 2 vs. Avalanche
Joel Eriksson Ek did not accompany the Wild to Denver after being injured in Game 6 against the Stars.
Where to watch Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche Game 1 NHL playoffs: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Sunday, May 3
The Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche open their second-round NHL playoff series on Sunday. The Wild beat the Dallas Stars 4-2 in the first round while the Avalanche swept the Los Angeles Kings.
Where to watch Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Game 7 NHL playoffs: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Sunday, May 3
The Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning face off in Game 7 to determine the winner of their first-round playoff series. The Lightning forced Game 7 with a 1-0 victory in OT on Friday.
3rd May 2026
After eliminating Oilers, Ducks turn focus to next 'big challenge' — the Golden Knights
In the second round, the Ducks will play the Golden Knights for the first time in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
For Hurricanes' Logan Stankoven, 'the hottest guy in hockey,' nothing has changed
Stankoven's production jumped after the Olympic break, a pattern that's continued through Carolina's first five playoff games.
Flyers may need injured Owen Tippett back to have any chance against Hurricanes
The 27-year-old Tippett is dealing with an unspecified injury and is a significant piece missing from Philadelphia's playoff lineup.
Why Sabres vs. Canadiens would be dream playoff series for hockey fans
Who wouldn’t want to take in the scenes in both Montreal and Buffalo with a trip to the Eastern Conference final on the line?.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks 2026 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs preview
After upsetting Edmonton, can Anaheim channel the same underdog energy against Vegas and advance to the conference finals?.
In Game 7, the Lightning look to cement a legacy and the Canadiens seek to build one
The series between the Canadiens and Lightning has little separating it, except for what Game 7 means to both franchises.
IIHF U18 worlds standouts and disappointments: Notes on Wyatt Cullen, Keaton Verhoeff and more
After 29 games in 11 days in Slovakia, the 2026 U18 worlds are over. Scott Wheeler analyzes the most notable performances.
PWHL 2025-26 playoff chances, projected standings and player ratings
Welcome to our 2025-26 PWHL projections where you will find each team’s projected point total and chances of winning the Walter Cup.
Hurricanes vs. Flyers Game 1: Key takeaways as Carolina steamrolls Philadelphia
The Canes struck early at home and never looked back en route to taking a 1-0 series lead over the Flyers.
Hold my beer skate: I drank from the Carolina Hurricanes' viral novelty mug
The Canes' brew boot is the most recent in a series of non-traditional drinking vessels at NHL arenas, including Buffalo's "Beer Sabre.".
Sweden defeats host Slovakia to win third IIHF U18 worlds gold medal
Sweden's 16th medal all-time at the event is the second-most in tournament history behind the Americans' 21.
Hockey Canada won't participate in 2026 Spengler Cup due to financial constraints
In a statement, Hockey Canada said the organization couldn't reach a new agreement after its last deal expired.
Wild's Jonas Brodin out, Joel Eriksson Ek questionable for Game 1 vs. Avalanche
The Wild will enter the series against the NHL's highest-scoring team without one of their most important defensive players and maybe two.
2nd May 2026
How a 'comfortable' Mitch Marner delivered for the Golden Knights
Mitch Marner was a force in the close-out game, his first chance to rewrite a postseason narrative that followed him out of Toronto.
What I'm hearing about Flyers vs. Canes: Bonk still an option, York's stick returns
York was reunited with the stick he threw into the crowd after scoring the series-clinching OT goal against the Penguins.
Connor Bedard explains decision not to play for Team Canada at World Championship
The young Blackhawks star is skipping the tournament in Switzerland to focus on rehab this summer and prepare for the 2026-27 NHL season.
Tony X, 10 years later: How a viral tweet led to a hockey love story you won't believe
Tony Holmes' late-coming hockey fandom made him a viral sensation through his Tony X Twitter account. Turns out, it did much more than that.
Canadiens’ big-picture Game 7 opportunity outweighs Game 6 disappointment
What this young, rebuilding team team is experiencing in these playoffs is helping their development.
Inside the Buffalo Sabres' series-clinching win: 'Let’s go get the next one'
The Sabres are off to the second round for the first time since 2007 — and they look like they belong.
Andrei Vasilevskiy saved his best for Lightning in Game 6: 'Best goalie in the world'
Andrei Vasilevskiy had his best game of the series in Friday's 1-0 win. Just don't call it a redemption.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild 2026 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs preview
This isn’t your ordinary division showdown. Avalanche against Wild is going to be an absolute battle between two of the best in the West.
Golden Knights vs. Mammoth Game 6: Key takeaways as Vegas punches ticket to Round 2
Mitch Marner scored the game winner and the Golden Knights are headed to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bruins' Charlie McAvoy offered in-person hearing for slashing Sabres' Zach Benson
McAvoy received a five-minute major for slashing and a game misconduct late in the third period.
What went wrong for the Boston Bruins in the playoffs, and what happens next
The last six games prove that the Bruins are several players short of a bona fide Stanley Cup contender.
Sabres vs. Bruins Game 6: Key takeaways as Buffalo advances to Round 2
Two first-period goals and a backbreaker from Zach Benson in the third help the Sabres win a series for the first time since 2007.
Lightning vs. Canadiens Game 6: Key takeaways as Tampa wins in OT to force Game 7
Gage Goncalves scored 9:03 into overtime Friday night and the Tampa Bay Lightning edged the Montreal Canadiens 1-0.
Tanner Glass to replace Jed Ortmeyer as Rangers director of player development: Source
Glass has served as assistant director of player development for the team since 2019.
Dylan Holloway, Blues agree to 5-year, $38.75 million contract extension: Source
In 59 games with St. Louis last season, Holloway had 22 goals and 51 points.
Who has the edge in Wild vs. Avalanche? Breaking down a titanic, conference-final worthy showdown
Diving deep on the key matchups, injury situations, goalie confidence levels, X-factors and why each team should be optimistic.
NHL reveals finalists for Jack Adams Award: Will Lindy Ruff win again, 20 years later?
Since 1974, the NHL has given the honor to the coach deemed to have "contributed the most to his team's success.".
NHL's young talent driving a power shift in Stanley Cup playoffs' first round
This has been a big year for tilting the balance of power in the NHL, with more opportunities imminent.
Where to watch NHL playoffs Vegas Golden Knights vs. Utah Mammoth: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Friday, May 1
The Vegas Golden Knights, ranked first in the Pacific Division with a 39-26 record, face the Utah Mammoth, who are fourth in the Central Division with a 43-33 record. The game is essentially a pick'em, with Utah at -105 and Vegas at -115. Vegas has gone 40-6-11 when scoring at least three goals.
Where to watch NHL playoffs Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Friday, May 1
The Tampa Bay Lightning, ranked second in the Atlantic Division with a 50-26 record, face the Montreal Canadiens, who are third in the Atlantic Division with a 48-24 record. The game is essentially a pick'em, with Tampa Bay at -115 and Montreal at -105.How to watch Tampa Bay Lightning vs.
1st May 2026
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Philadelphia Flyers 2026 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs preview
In a season defined by defying the odds, a series against the Hurricanes poses arguably the toughest challenge yet for the upstart Flyers.
Quinn Hughes delivers a signature performance in his biggest Wild game: 'He's the best'
Hughes' second goal Thursday stood up as the game-winner and series-clincher for the Wild.
Canes GM Eric Tulsky on facing Flyers in second round, patient moves paying off
In an interview, Tulsky also provided updates on several injured Carolina players and discussed whether rest could make his team rusty.
From 1,000 NHL games straight into broadcasting, Erik Johnson looks like an 'absolute natural'
“Erik’s been a pleasure and is a major star. He’s the complete package, and he'll be in sports broadcasting for as long as he wants to.”.
A brief history of the playoff penalty shot, suddenly the NHL's hottest new trend
Penalty shots are relatively rare in the playoffs, but this season has featured an unprecedented number of them already in the first round.
The 'curse' is over: Wild break through first round — and it feels like more is coming
The fans flowed out of Grand Casino Arena on Thursday ready to celebrate. They should. They've earned a playoff run, just like the players.
The Oilers, and Connor McDavid, wasted another year of contention. What went wrong? What's next?
The urgency brought on by a narrowing Stanley Cup window could influence whether any significant organizational changes are coming.
Oilers vs. Ducks Game 6: Key takeaways as Anaheim decisively ends McDavid's tough series
The Ducks secured their first playoffs series win since 2017 as the Oilers bowed out early.
Wild vs. Stars Game 6: Key takeaways as Quinn Hughes scores 2, Minnesota advances to 2nd round
After eight consecutive first-round exits, the Wild will get to play past Round 1 for the first time since 2015.
Assistant coach Jessica Campbell to depart Kraken, pursue other NHL opportunities
Campbell joined the Kraken's coaching staff in July 2024 after previously working with the Kraken's AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley.
NHL names Lady Byng Trophy finalists: Kopitar challenged by Caufield, Sanderson
The Kings' Kopitar is a three-time winner of the annual league award for "sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct.".
Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin to miss Game 6 vs. Stars — Jeff Petry in
Brodin has formed a solid second pair for the Wild alongside captain Jared Spurgeon. Jeff Petry will be in the lineup with Brodin out.
30th April 2026
Golden Knights dynamic duo of Jack Eichel and Pavel Dorofeyev draws parallels to 2023
As Eichel feeds Dorofeyev for goals, it's difficult to ignore the similarities between the connection he had with Jonathan Marchessault.
Penguins, Sidney Crosby stuck between eras as the thrill of the past meets a hard future
The Penguins are in transition and, while a surprise playoff berth was nice, their work is just beginning.
