STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS MAY 29, 2026 – CAROLINA CLIPS CANADIENS TO CLINCH CLUB’S’S THIRD STANLEY CUP FINAL BERTH

The line of Taylor Hall (1-2—3), Logan Stankoven (1-2—3) and Jackson Blake (1-1—2) combined for eight points while Frederik Andersen stopped 23 of 24 shots as the Hurricanes eliminated the Canadiens with a final score of 6-1 and advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the third time in franchise history (also 2006 & 2002). Carolina enters the championship series versus Vegas with a 12-1 record this postseason including an active four-game winning streak.

• Hall had his sixth, seventh and eighth points in potential series-clinching games during these playoffs to establish a single-postseason franchise record (2-6—8 in 3 GP), besting the previous mark set by Eric Staal (3-4—7 in 8 GP) and Cory Stillman (2-5—7 in 8 GP) en route to winning the Stanley Cup in 2006. Hall played alongside the eldest Staal brother with the 2020-21 Sabres and Stillman’s son, Riley, with the 2024-25 Hurricanes.
• Hall was selected by the Oilers with the No. 1 pick in the 2010 NHL Draft and is headed to his first Stanley Cup Final following 16 campaigns and 1,056 career games between the regular season and playoffs. He assisted on the winner by Stankoven, who became the latest player with a series-clinching goal to put the Hurricanes into the championship round after Rod Brind’Amour (Game 7 of 2006 CF) and Martin Gelinas (Game 6 of 2002 CF) accounted for the previous two.
• Andersen improved to 12-1 through 13 appearances this postseason with a 1.41 goals-against average, .931 save percentage and three shutouts. He became the third goaltender in NHL history with 12 wins through his first 13 games in a playoff year, following Ken Dryden with the 1976 Canadiens (12-1 in 13 GP) and Gerry Cheevers with the 1970 Bruins (12-1 in 13 GP).
• Andersen extended his shutout sequence to 160:13 before yielding a third-period goal, which bested Kevin Weekes (143:55 in 2002) for the longest in franchise playoff history. Andersen dedicated the win to his late agent Claude Lemieux, who passed away Thursday and was honored with a pre-game moment of silence.

More notes from Hurricanes’ historic win

Carolina’s series-clinching victory, included Eric Robinson and William Carrier connecting on another goal as the line of Robinson, Carrier and Mark Jankowski concluded the Eastern Conference Final with 10 combined points. Carrier was claimed by Vegas from Buffalo in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft and won a Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023.

• The Hurricanes and Golden Knights will play their first head-to-head playoff series during the 60th unique matchup between NHL franchises in Stanley Cup Final history. Carolina and Vegas each own a 1-1 series record in the championship round – the Hurricanes defeated the Oilers (4-3 W in 2006) after losing to the Red Wings (4-1 L in 2002), while the Golden Knights beat the Panthers (4-1 W in 2023) after falling to the Capitals (4-1 L in 2018).

NHL DRAFT CONNECTIONS: CALEB MALHOTRA

Caleb Malhotra of the OHL’s Brantford Bulldogs, the No. 6-ranked North American skater and top-ranked center for the NHL Draft, had a debut OHL season to remember ranking second in rookie scoring with 29-55—84 in 67 games during the regular season and topping all rookie skaters in the playoffs with 13-13—26 in 15 contests. His father, Manny Malhotra, was head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL during the 2025-26 season and a longtime NHL forward who skated in 991 career NHL games.

• Round 1 of the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft will take place on Friday, June 26 (7 p.m. ET). Rounds 2‑7 will be held on Saturday, June 27 (11 a.m. ET).

HURRICANES, GOLDEN KNIGHTS SET FOR STANLEY CUP FINAL

The Hurricanes and Golden Knights, a pair of perennial contenders, have their eyes set on the Stanley Cup, but the clubs have taken different paths to get back to the 2026 championship series. Carolina is looking to claim its first Stanley Cup in 20 years, while Vegas aims for its second title since 2023.

• Carolina and Vegas have both been recent mainstays in the final four, with the Hurricanes reaching the Conference Finals four times in the past eight seasons and the Golden Knights doing so five times in nine years since their inaugural 2017-18 campaign. Vegas leads all franchises with 15 series wins since 2018, while Carolina is tied with Tampa Bay for the second most over that span (13).
• While the Hurricanes seek to become the 12th different team in NHL history to go 20-plus years from one Final appearance to the next, the Golden Knights look to become the fourth franchise in the NHL’s expansion era to win multiple Stanley Cups prior to their 10th season, following the Oilers (4), Islanders (2) and Flyers (2).
• The Golden Knights won both meetings against the Hurricanes during their 2025-26 season series, outscoring them 10-4 in the process. However, Carolina (9-7-0, 18 points) holds the slight edge over Vegas (7-6-3, 17 points) in their all-time regular-season history.
• The Stanley Cup Final will feature a total of 13 players that skated at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, including eight from Vegas and five from Carolina. Jaccob Slavin (CAR), Jack Eichel (VGK) and Noah Hanifin (VGK) helped Team USA skate to a gold medal, while Seth Jarvis (CAR), Mitch Marner (VGK), Mark Stone (VGK) and Shea Theodore (VGK) earned a silver medal with Team Canada. Sebastian Aho (CAR) also won bronze for Team Finland.

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE

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The National Hockey League has confirmed the matchup and schedule for the 2026 Stanley Cup Final, which will match the Eastern Conference Champion Carolina Hurricanes against the Western Conference Champion Vegas Golden Knights. Game 1 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2.

Based on their higher regular-season point total, the Hurricanes will host Games 1 and 2 of the best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final, as well as Games 5 and 7, if necessary. The Golden Knights will host Games 3 and 4, as well as Game 6, if necessary.

Every game of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final will start at 8 p.m. ET and will be available on ABC in the U.S. In Canada, every game will be available on Sportsnet, CBC and TVA Sports.

Stanley Cup Finals Schedule 2026

Date Time (ET) Carolina vs. Vegas Networks
Tuesday, June 2 8 p.m. Vegas at Carolina ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
Thursday, June 4 8 p.m. Vegas at Carolina ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
Saturday, June 6 8 p.m. Carolina at Vegas ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
Tuesday, June 9 8 p.m. Carolina at Vegas ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
*Thursday, June 11 8 p.m. Vegas at Carolina ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
*Sunday, June 14 8 p.m. Carolina at Vegas ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS
*Wednesday, June 17 8 p.m. Vegas at Carolina ABC, SN, CBC, TVAS

*if necessary

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Ontario Investing Over $22 Million to Help Seniors Stay Active and Healthy

The Ontario government is marking 60 years of supporting Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) programs with a new investment of $22.8 million to help seniors across the province stay active, healthy and socially connected. Announced at Life After Fifty in Windsor, one of the province’s first active living centres, this funding will support more than 400 SALC programs across Ontario, helping deliver the services and community connections seniors need to live healthier, more independent lives.

“I am so pleased to celebrate this at Life After Fifty in Windsor. In many ways, the concept of seniors active living centres all got started here,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “We are proud of our investments in Seniors Active Living Centres programs over the past six decades, which are expanding services, keeping our seniors fit, active, healthy, socially connected, close to their homes and in their communities.”

SALC programs deliver a range of initiatives designed to bring seniors together to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones, offering ongoing recreational, social, and lifestyle activities. The province partners with a range of organizations to deliver SALC programs, including municipalities, non-profit corporations, registered charities, Indigenous groups, Legions, Lions Clubs and recreational clubs.

“Life After Fifty holds the distinction of being one of the first Seniors Active Living Centre programs funded by the Government of Ontario, supporting older adults in staying active, connected, and engaged in our community. I am proud to join Life After Fifty in celebrating 60 years of service and this significant milestone, while recognizing the contributions of Windsor’s seniors in building the strong community we enjoy today and promoting health, independence, and well-being.” – Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor—Tecumseh

Today’s announcement comes as Ontario marks the beginning of Seniors Month, a time to celebrate the accomplishments of older adults across the province and highlight the programs and services available to support their needs.

“Congratulations to Life After Fifty on 60 fantastic years of keeping seniors connected, active, and healthy,” said Anthony Leardi, MPP – Essex, “I’m proud to be part of the movement with Seniors Active Living Centre programs in Essex County. Let’s keep the ball rolling, and continue living healthy, fulfilling lives.”

Today’s announcement builds on the province’s historic $17 million funding increase in 2024, which supported the opening of more than 100 new Seniors Active Living Centre programs across Ontario, expanding access to programs and services that help seniors stay active, engaged and connected.

“For 60 years, Life After Fifty has been proud to partner with the Province of Ontario to support older adults in living active, connected, and independent lives,” said Tom Wilson, Executive Director, Life After Fifty in Windsor. “This anniversary is both a celebration of our shared history and a reminder of the importance of continued investment in programs that strengthen our communities. We are grateful for this enduring partnership and excited for the work that lies ahead!”

Quick Facts

• There are now 416 SALC programs in Ontario.
• In 2024-25, the SALC programming received a $17 million increase over three years.
• This new investment increased base funding and added 100 new Seniors Active Living Centre programs across Ontario and was the largest single year SALC Program investment by any government in Ontario’s history.
• SALC programs can request up to $55,000 for maintenance and operating costs, this is an increase from $42,700 in 2023, to $50,000 in 2024.
• SALC programs can be supported by municipalities, non-profit corporations, registered charities, Indigenous groups, Legions, Lions Clubs and recreational clubs.

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JOSH SCIBA NAMED HEAD COACH OF PWHL DETROIT

PWHL Detroit has announced that Josh Sciba has been named the team’s first Head Coach ahead of its inaugural 2026-27 season in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Sciba is a native of Westland, MI, and joins his hometown team after serving two seasons as an assistant coach for the PWHL’s New York Sirens and brings more than 15 years of coaching experience to the role.

“Josh is a highly respected coach with a knowledge of the game and experience at all levels of women’s hockey that set him apart, and his passion for teaching and individual character are qualities I value in a leader,” said Manon Rhéaume, PWHL Detroit General Manager. “Hockeytown is in his blood, and this is an opportunity I know he is eager to embrace with an understanding of what it means to represent this city and be part of its legacy.”

Beyond the PWHL, Sciba served as an assistant coach for the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women’s Hockey Team that won gold in Milan this past February. He has held the same role with the U.S. Women’s National Team since 2022, helping guide the program to two IIHF Women’s World Championship gold medals in 2023 and 2025, as well as silver medals in 2022 and 2024.

“I’m incredibly honored and excited for the opportunity to become the Head Coach of PWHL Detroit and beyond grateful for the trust placed in me to help lead the organization from the beginning. This is home and especially meaningful for me and my entire family, knowing Detroit’s rich hockey history and identity firsthand and how much the women’s hockey community has been yearning for this moment. Working alongside Manon, someone who has meant so much to the growth of the sport, is a journey I’m so fortunate to be on, with her passion, leadership, and vision that will make Detroit a destination for players. I also want to sincerely thank the New York Sirens, Pascal Daoust, Greg Fargo, and the players for believing in me and allowing me an opportunity to teach and grow as a coach. I’ll always be grateful to the people I had a chance to collaborate with and appreciative of the relationships and experiences in my first two PWHL seasons. I look forward to this next chapter and to building something special in Detroit.” – Josh Sciba

Prior to joining the PWHL, Sciba served as head coach of Union College’s women’s hockey program from 2016-24 after spending four seasons as an assistant coach at Colgate University from 2012-16. He previously spent four years on the coaching staff at Niagara University, including three seasons as an assistant coach and one season as head coach. With USA Hockey, the 41-year-old also served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team that won gold in the 2020 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship and silver in the 2019 tournament.

A 2007 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sciba played four seasons with the Fighting Irish men’s hockey program from 2003-07.

PWHL Detroit was officially announced as one of the league’s four new expansion teams on May 6 and will debut at Little Caesars Arena in the fall. Fans can place a time-stamped deposit here to secure priority access to season tickets for Detroit’s historic inaugural season, once ticket packages are released.

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NBA BOARD OF GOVERNORS APPROVES NEW DRAFT LOTTERY SYSTEM TO ADDRESS TANKING

“3-2-1 Lottery” Designed to Eliminate Incentives for Teams to Prioritize Draft Position Over Winning

The NBA Board of Governors has approved a new NBA Draft Lottery system designed to eliminate incentives for teams to prioritize their position in the Draft over winning games.

The “3-2-1 Lottery” expands the lottery from 14 to 16 teams and flattens odds among teams that do not qualify for the NBA Playoffs or NBA Play-In Tournament. The new system will take effect beginning with the 2027 NBA Draft.

KEY ELEMENTS OF THE 3-2-1 LOTTERY

Flattened Odds and Draft Relegation: Each team participating in the Draft Lottery will receive three, two or one lottery ball for the drawing. Teams that do not qualify for the NBA Playoffs or NBA Play-In Tournament will receive three lottery balls each, except that – to provide an increased incentive to win – the teams with the three worst records will be “draft relegated” and lose one of their lottery balls. The No. 9 and No. 10 Play-In seeds in each conference will receive two lottery balls each, while the losers of the No. 7 vs. No. 8 Play-In games in each conference will receive one lottery ball each.

Lottery Drawing: Lottery balls allocated to all 16 participating teams will be drawn to determine the order of selection for the first 16 picks in the first round of the NBA Draft.

Pick Floors: Each draft-relegated team will receive, at worst, the No. 12 pick in the NBA Draft. All other lottery teams can fall as far as the No. 16 pick.

Pick Restrictions: No team’s pick will be permitted to be the first pick in two consecutive NBA Drafts or a top-five pick in three consecutive NBA Drafts. These restrictions will apply only to each team’s own pick without regard to whether that pick has been retained by the team or traded to (and thus held by) another team.

Pick Protections: Teams will be unable to attach top-12 through top-15 protections to newly traded draft picks.

Discipline: The league will have expanded disciplinary authority to address tanking, including the ability to reduce teams’ lottery odds, modify teams’ draft positions and impose significant fines on offending teams.

Since October, the league office has met with key stakeholders to discuss current competitive incentives and solicit ideas aimed at discouraging tanking. That process led to the creation of the 3-2-1 Lottery.

The 3-2-1 Lottery will be in effect for the 2027, 2028 and 2029 NBA Drafts. Rules governing selection order beginning with the 2030 NBA Draft will be determined by a vote of the Board of Governors.

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