STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS MAY 13, 2026 – KULAK HAS CLINCHER as Avalanche complete late multi-goal rally to advance
Brett Kulak scored the series clincher in overtime after Colorado rallied from a multi-goal deficit in the final 3:33 of regulation as the Avalanche stunned the Wild and advanced to the Western Conference Final for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022. The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs is the second since the best-of-seven format was introduced for all four rounds that two teams have reached the Conference Finals each with one or fewer losses (also CAR: 8-0).
- Kulak became the seventh player in NHL history to have his first goal with a franchise (regular season or playoffs) stand as a series clincher. He joined Trent Frederic with the Oilers (Game 6 of 2025 R1), Ryan Reaves with the Golden Knights (Game 5 of 2018 CF), Braydon Coburn with the Lightning (Game 7 of 2015 R1), Marcel Goc with the Sharks (Game 6 of 2004 CSF), Norm MacIver with the Penguins (Game 7 of 1995 CQF) and Ed Hospodar with the Rangers (Game 4 of 1980 PRLM).
- Kulak was traded to Colorado by Pittsburgh on Feb. 24 and became the third player in League history to play with stars Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid (also Derick Brassard & Caleb Jones). Kulak was the Avalanche’s 16th different player with a goal in the Second Round, which tied the League mark for most by one team in a single series shared by the Bruins (2019 SCF & 1988 CF), Blues (2025 R1) and Kings (1993 DSF).
- The Avalanche became the fifth team in NHL history to earn a series-clinching win after facing a multi-goal deficit in the final five minutes of regulation, following the Jets (Game 7 of 2025 R1), Ducks (Game 6 of 2014 R1), Bruins (Game 7 of 2013 CQF) and Canadiens (Game 4 of 1944 SCF). Colorado (56:27) recorded its second-latest multi-goal comeback victory in franchise playoff history behind the Quebec Nordiques in Game 1 of the 1993 Division Semifinals (58:31).
- The Avalanche will meet the winner of Anaheim-Vegas in the Western Conference Final. Colorado will seek its first series win against either club after having met just once before in the playoffs (2021 R2 vs. VGK; 2006 CSF vs. ANA).
Schaefer captures Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL’s top rookie this season
Matthew Schaefer’s historic season was capped by a Calder Memorial Trophy win as he became the first defenseman to be the unanimous Rookie of the Year as well as the youngest ever to claim an individual honor for NHL performance. Schaefer was the second unanimous Calder Trophy winner at any position after forward Teemu Selanne (1992-93).
- Schaefer joined the NHL on TNT panel to talk about what it meant to win the Calder, his experience bringing it to Cohen Children’s Medical Center following the announcement and his plans of opening the Jennifer Schaefer Child Support Center.
LEAGUE UNVEILs logo FOR 2027 DISCOVER NHL WINTER CLASSIC in salt lake city
Wednesday featured the League unveiling the logo for the 2027 Discover NHL Winter Classic, which is set to be hosted at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Dec. 31, 2026. The logo pays homage to “The Beehive State” by drawing inspiration from its geography, including Utah’s famous Wasatch Mountains and Red Rocks Country.
Thursday has Anaheim aiming to avoid elimination, pivotal Game 5 in Buffalo
Thursday’s schedule features the Ducks looking to force their 10th Game 7 in franchise history after the Canadiens and Sabres square off with a 3-2 series lead on the line.
DUCKS’ YOUTH AND VETERANS VIE TO FORCE SECOND GAME 7 OF 2026 POSTSEASON
Cutter Gauthier leads a mix of youth and veterans into the Ducks’ first elimination game with their current core, while Mitch Marner can help the Golden Knights clinch the franchise’s fifth Conference Finals/Stanley Cup Semifinals appearance since joining the NHL in 2017-18 (also 2023, 2021, 2020 & 2018). Vegas can become the fourth club in the League’s modern era (since 1944) with five final-four berths within its first 10 seasons after NY Islanders (7), Edmonton (5) and Philadelphia (5).
- Beckett Sennecke can become the first player in NHL history with a five-game playoff goal streak at age 20 or younger and Chris Kreider needs one tally to pass Mark Messier as the League record holder for most when facing elimination. Sennecke would surpass four-game runs by Auston Matthews (2017), Nicklas Backstrom (2008), Jaromir Jagr (1992), Shayne Corson (1987) and Wendel Clark (1986).
Canadiens, Sabres shift back to Buffalo with 3-2 series lead on the line
Nick Suzuki and the Canadiens are set to play a crucial contest against Rasmus Dahlin and the Sabres as their Second Round series shifts from the banks of the St. Lawrence River back to the eastern shores of Lake Erie for Game 5.
- Alex Newhook can become Montreal’s second player in the last 30 years with a four-game playoff goal streak after Alex Kovalev (4 GP in 2004) and its second over that span with six tallies in a single series, following Michael Cammalleri (7 in 2010 CSF). Zach Benson can follow up his birthday winner by helping Buffalo move within one victory of its first Eastern Conference Final appearance since 2007.
- Jordan Staal and the Hurricanes await the winner of the Second Round series between the Canadiens and Sabres, with Carolina eliminating both teams in 2006 en route to capturing its first and only Stanley Cup. Staal attended the 2006 Final as a 17-year-old top prospect for the NHL Draft before his brother, Eric, became the first in the family to hoist the Cup – something Jordan would do with the 2009 Penguins, but not since.
Golden Knights’ McNabb Suspended One Game for Interference
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb has been suspended for one game for interference against Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Poehling during Game 5 of the teams’ Second Round series in Las Vegas on Tuesday, May 12. The incident occurred at 8:55 of the first period. McNabb was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for interference.