STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS MAY 7, 2026 – ANDERSEN, HURRICANES EXTEND WIN STREAK EN ROUTE TO 3-0 SERIES LEAD

Jordan Staal (1-1—2) factored on two of his team’s four goals, including Jalen Chatfield’s shorthanded game winner, while Frederik Andersen made 18 saves to lift the Hurricanes to their seventh consecutive victory – tied for their longest winning streak in franchise history – and within one win of the Conference Finals. Carolina owns an all-time series record of 4-0 when leading a best-of-seven series 3-0.

• The Hurricanes became the 13th team in NHL history to record a postseason-opening winning streak of seven or more games and just the third in the past 30 years, following the 2024 Rangers and the 2008 Penguins. Three of Carolina’s seven wins have come as the visitor, marking just the third time in franchise history the club has earned a victory in each of their first three road games to start a postseason, after doing so in 2006 (4 GP) and 1986 (3 GP).
• Andersen became the second goaltender born outside North America to record a postseason-opening winning streak of seven-plus games, joining Igor Shesterkin (7 GP in 2024), and tied Cam Ward (7 GP in 2006) for the longest playoff winning streak in franchise history (at any point). With the help of Andersen, the Hurricanes have allowed only eight goals through their first seven games of the playoffs – they are one of only five teams in the expansion era (since 1967-68) to allow eight or fewer goals through that game count to start a postseason, following the 2002 Senators (5 GA), 2004 Lightning (6 GA), 1969 Blues (7 GA) and 1994 Rangers (8 GA).

DAHLIN, MAKAR, WERENSKI NAMED JAMES NORRIS TROPHY FINALISTS

Rasmus Dahlin, Cale Makar and Zach Werenski are the three finalists for the 2025-26 James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded “to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position.”

DUCKS LOOK TO REMAIN PERFECT AT HOME, CANADIENS HOPE TO EVEN SERIES,

A deadlocked series out west shifts to Anaheim as the Ducks and Golden Knights both look for a 2-1 series advantage, while the Canadiens aim to square their Second Round matchup with the Sabres in Game 2.

• After levelling the series in Game 2, the Ducks head back home to Honda Center where they are a perfect 3-0 so far in these playoffs. Anaheim looks to win each of its first four home games in a postseason for the third time in franchise history, following 2015 (6-0) and 2007 (4-0). Leo Carlsson (4-5—9 in 8 GP) scored the game-winning goal in Game 2 and is now on the precipice of his 10th career playoff point. He can become the third player in Ducks history to reach the mark in 10 or fewer games, after Jackson LaCombe (7 GP in 2026) and Paul Kariya (8 GP in 1997).
• Buffalo got the better of Montreal in its Second Round series opener, but the Canadiens look to bounce back with a win in Game 2. Montreal has earned a win following a loss three times in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and a fourth such victory would be tied for the franchise’s fifth most in a single postseason. Captain Nick Suzuki was one of two Canadiens goal scorers in Game 1 and will look to extend his goal streak to three games. In doing so, he would also push his road goal streak to three games and become the first Canadiens player in the past 10 years with a run of that length.

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE

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PWHL ANNOUNCES DETAILS FOR 2026 DRAFT, AWARDS CEREMONY IN DETROIT

After announcing on May 6 that Detroit will be the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL)’s newest expansion city and host of the 2026 Draft and Awards, the PWHL is sharing additional details surrounding the events, which will celebrate elite performances across the league from the 2025-26 season and usher in the next generation of PWHL talent.

The 2026 PWHL Awards presented by Ally Financial will take place on Tuesday, June 16. Attendance is limited to invited guests. In addition to the awards, Detroit-based Ally — home to the nation’s largest all-digital bank and a leading brand in women’s sports sponsorship — was also introduced as the inaugural partner and Official Bank of PWHL Detroit.

The 2026 PWHL Draft presented by Upper Deck will follow on Wednesday, June 17 at Fox Theatre, beginning at 5 p.m. ET, and will be open to ticketed fans. Ticket presales for the draft open Tuesday, May 12, at 10 a.m. ET for fans who make an early deposit for PWHL Detroit ticket packages, with the public on sale beginning at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, May 13. Additional ticketing information is provided below.

PWHL Awards Finalists — Schedule of Announcements:

Tuesday, May 19: Forward of the Year
Awarded to the forward who showcases the most outstanding ability at the position throughout the regular season.

Wednesday, May 20: Defender of the Year
Awarded to the defender who showcases the most outstanding ability at the position throughout the regular season.

Thursday, May 21: Goaltender of the Year presented by Rogers
Awarded to the goaltender who showcases the most outstanding ability at the position throughout the regular season.

Friday, May 22: Coach of the Year
Awarded to the head coach whose contributions most impacted their team’s on-ice success throughout the regular season.

Tuesday, May 26: Rookie of the Year presented by Ally Financial
Awarded to the player who showcases the most outstanding ability throughout their first regular season of professional play. Players eligible must be competing in their first season of professional hockey in North America and begin the season in their 25th birth year or younger. For Season Three, 2000-born players are eligible for the Rookie of the Year Award.

Wednesday, May 27: Billie Jean King MVP Award
Awarded to the player considered most valuable to their team’s success throughout the regular season.

PWHL Awards Selection Committee: The awards selection committee features a cross-section of representatives and a weighted model for tabulating votes:

• 50% of voting points from media across North America, including all PWHL markets
• 25% from PWHL General Managers and Head Coaches
• 15% from PWHL broadcast talent
• 10% from the PWHL Players Association (PWHLPA)

Ballots were submitted following the conclusion of the regular season and prior to the start of the playoffs. Voters ranked their top three selections for each award, with five points awarded for a first-place vote, three points for a second-place vote, and one point for a third-place vote. Media ballots were developed in consultation with the Women’s Chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

Additional Awards:
In addition to the six major awards, the selection committee also voted on the league’s First and Second All-Star Teams, which will be announced at the ceremony, and an All-Rookie Team, which will be announced prior to the event and recognized during the ceremony on June 16.

The Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP Award will be presented at the conclusion of the PWHL Walter Cup Finals to the player deemed most valuable to their team’s success in the postseason.

The league’s Top Goal Scorer Award and Points Leader Award — both won by Kelly Pannek (MIN) — will also be recognized during the ceremony.

The PWHL’s “Hockey for All” Award presented by Scotiabank, recognizes the player who has made the greatest impact in their community during the 2025-26 regular season. The annual recipient is selected by PWHL executives based on nominations from all eight teams. Scotiabank will donate $10,000 to a Canadian charity of the winner’s choice that supports youth or grassroots hockey, with a focus on accessibility, diversity, and inclusion.

The Intact Impact Award recognizes players who make a meaningful impact through their leadership, support of others, and overall positive influence on team culture. Nominations are evaluated based on excellence, leadership, and integrity. Intact Insurance donates $5,000 on behalf of each of the four winners to a Canadian charity of their choice. The 2025-26 recipients, previously announced throughout the season and will be honored at the ceremony, are Ashton Bell (VAN) – HEROS Hockey (Hockey Education Reaching Out Society); Marlène Boissonnault (MIN) – Hockey 4 Youth Foundation; Shiann Darkangelo (MTL) – LS7; and Emma Woods (TOR) – Grindstone Award Foundation.

Ticket presales for the 2026 PWHL Draft presented by Upper Deck begin Tuesday, May 12 at 10 a.m. ET, with the public on sale starting Wednesday, May 13 at 10 a.m. ET.

Fans can also purchase a limited-availability “Early Access Experience Package,” which includes:

• Early entry with advanced premium Red Carpet access
• Exclusive photo opportunities on the Draft stage and with the Walter Cup
• Autographed Official Draft Collectibles

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS MAY 6, 2026 – Youth continue to shine as Sabres secure series lead against Canadiens

Zach Benson (0-2—2), 20, and Josh Doan (1-1—2), 24, had two points apiece as Buffalo beat Montreal 4-2 and took a 1-0 lead in its Second Round series. The Sabres earned their first win beyond the opening round of the playoffs since a 3-2 victory versus the Senators in Game 4 of the 2007 Conference Finals, much to the delight of 19,070 fans inside KeyBank Center and thousands more outside at the Sabrehood Block Party.

• Benson became the fourth player in franchise playoff history with consecutive multi-point games at age 20 or younger, following Pierre Turgeon (2 GP from Game 1-2 of 1989 DSF), John Tucker (2 GP from Game 3-4 of 1985 DSF) and Alan Haworth (2 GP from Game 3-4 of 1981 QF). Benson factored on four consecutive goals dating to Game 6 of the First Round and was one back of Buffalo’s longest postseason run set by Rene Robert, who had a hand on five straight against Montreal from Game 4-6 of the 1973 Quarterfinals.
• Doan is the grandson of former Blues draft pick Bernie Doan (No. 80 in 1971) as well as the son of Shane Doan, who played his entire 21-season career with the Coyotes/Jets and is the franchise’s all-time leader in every major scoring category. Josh was selected by Arizona with the No. 37 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft just four years after his father’s final game for the Coyotes on April 8, 2017.

SENNECKE, CARLSSON SPARK THE OFFENSE AS DUCKS TIE SERIES

Just a day after being named a finalist for the Calder Trophy as the League’s top rookie, 20-year-old Beckett Sennecke opened the scoring at T-Mobile Arena and 21-year-old Leo Carlsson netted the winning tally as the Ducks leveled their series with the Golden Knights at one game apiece.

• Sennecke became the fourth player in franchise history to score multiple goals in a single postseason at age 20 or younger alongside Stanislav Chistov (4 in 2003), Emerson Etem (3 in 2013) and Ryan Getzlaf (2 in 2006).
• Carlsson, who also scored the decisive tally in Game 3 of the First Round, became the third Ducks player age 21 or younger to record multiple game-winning goals in a single postseason, joining Nick Ritchie (2 in 2017) and Getzlaf (2 in 2007).

Buffalo’s Byram tying franchise Playoff record

Wednesday featured a two-game slate. Some highlights include:

• Bowen Byram buried his fourth goal of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs to tie former teammate Cale Makar for the highest total among blueliners. Byram matched the franchise record for most in a postseason by a defenseman shared by Jason Woolley (4 in 1999), Alexei Zhitnik (4 in 1999) and Mike Ramsey (4 in 1983).
• Jordan Greenway, who hails from Canton, N.Y., got the game-winning goal. He represented Team USA at the 2018 Winter Olympics under head coach Tony Granato (brother of former Sabres bench boss, Don) before making his NHL debut with the Wild on March 27, 2018.
• Nick Suzuki tallied for the second time in as many contests after opening the scoring in Game 7 of the First Round and did so on the heels of being named a finalist for the 2025-26 Frank J. Selke Trophy alongside Anthony Cirelli and Brock Nelson.

FLYERS look TO CUT SERIES DEFICIT IN HALF, HAND HURRICANES FIRST playoff LOSS

Sean Couturier and the Flyers aim to cut their deficit to 2-1 and snap the six-game postseason-opening winning streak held by Taylor Hall and the Hurricanes as the series shifts to Xfinity Mobile Arena on Thursday. It will mark the first Round 2 contest in Philadelphia since Game 5 of the 2012 Conference Semifinals.

• Couturier can help the Flyers earn a series win after facing a 2-0 deficit for the fourth time in franchise history, following the 2010 and 2000 Conference Semifinals as well as the 1977 Quarterfinals. The 2000 series featured the third-longest game in NHL history and Philadelphia’s head coach Rick Tocchet, who helped the Flyers forge four straight wins against the Penguins.
• Hall played the role of overtime hero in Game 2 for Carolina, which needs one victory to tie its franchise record for longest winning streak at any point during a playoff year set in 2006 when Hurricanes bench boss Rod Brind’Amour captained the club to a Stanley Cup. There have been 12 instances in NHL history where a team extended their postseason-opening winning streak to seven contests and eight of those clubs went on to claim a championship, including the 1975 Flyers.

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE

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PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE EXPANDS TO DETROIT

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has announced expansion to Detroit, Michigan, with the newest team to begin play for the 2026-27 season with home games to be played at Little Caesars Arena. PWHL Detroit is joined by Ally Financial as the team’s inaugural partner, with team jerseys to feature an exclusive Ally patch on the chest. In celebration of the PWHL’s newest market, Detroit will host the 2026 PWHL Awards Ceremony presented by Ally on Tuesday, June 16, and the 2026 PWHL Draft presented by Upper Deck on Wednesday, June 17, with the Draft taking place at Fox Theatre as a ticketed event open to fans.

Bringing professional women’s hockey to Hockeytown is an undeniable next step for the PWHL and the storied hockey market. Detroit has welcomed the PWHL from the very beginning, starting with hosting the league’s first-ever neutral-site game at Little Caesars Arena during the league’s inaugural season in 2024, drawing 13,736 fans. Since then, local support has only grown, with Detroit hosting four PWHL games over three seasons — the most of any neutral-site city. Among those games were crowds of 14,288 fans, setting a then-U.S. arena attendance record for women’s hockey on March 16, 2025, and a Little Caesars Arena women’s hockey attendance high of 15,938 at the city’s last Takeover Tour game on March 28, 2026, cementing Detroit fans’ demand for a PWHL team to call their own.

As part of today’s team announcement, the league revealed PWHL Detroit’s primary colors — black and silver — complemented by white as a secondary color and red as an accent. The palette is distinct from any other team in the league, with the primary colors intended to evoke Detroit’s innovative and industrial spirit, matched with the resilient identity of Metro Detroiters. Meanwhile, the red accent is a nod to the city’s celebrated sports history, in particular, the Red Wings’ and Hockeytown’s hockey stewardship in the United States for more than 100 years. The permanent brand identity, including the team’s name and logo, will be announced at a later date. Visit DetroitPWHL.com to learn more; PWHL Detroit merchandise is available now at thePWHL.com/shop for both U.S. and Canadian fans.

The decision to expand to Detroit reflects the league’s long-term vision for strategic growth. Detroit’s bid was led by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, the business arm of the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, and operators of Little Caesars Arena. Started through an initial investment by Mike and Marian Ilitch and strengthened by Ilitch Companies’ long-standing commitment to the sport — including the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club, which has developed generations of players since 1968 — the Detroit-based global organization has a long history of advancing hockey at every level. This commitment includes expanding opportunities for women and girls while building a strong foundation for the sport’s continued growth.

“Detroit is one of the great hockey cities, shaped by generations of players, teams, and fans who have helped grow the game at every level. Bringing a PWHL team to Little Caesars Arena is an exciting next step for our city and for the continued momentum of women’s hockey. This moment also reflects our broader vision of using sports as a catalyst for Detroit’s continued revitalization — strengthening community engagement, supporting economic growth, and contributing to the city’s long-term development. We’re proud to support the PWHL’s growth, welcome these athletes to our city, and inspire the next generation of women and girls to pursue the game at the highest level.”  - Chris Ilitch, President and CEO, Ilitch Companies

PWHL Detroit joins the PWHL’s eight current markets — Boston, Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Ottawa, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver. The team’s practice home will be BELFOR Training Center, which is part of the arena’s complex. Details about further expansion, a forthcoming expansion roster building process, and how Detroit will be integrated into the 2026 PWHL Draft will be announced in the coming weeks.

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS MAY 5, 2026 – IT WAS GOALS GALORE FOR MacKINNON AND CO. AS AVALANCHE WIN SIXTH STRAIGHT

The Avalanche and Wild picked up right where they left off after a 15-goal, back-and-forth affair in Game 1 of the Second Round series and did so by trading a pair of goals six seconds apart within the opening three minutes of play. Nathan MacKinnon (1-2—3) then supplied his third consecutive three-point game as the Avalanche scored five-plus goals for the third straight contest en route to their sixth win in a row – tied with the Hurricanes for the longest streak to start the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and tied for the second-longest stretch in franchise history.

• The Avalanche and Wild tied the second-fastest two goals by both teams in Stanley Cup Playoffs history, alongside the Flyers and Penguins (Game 2 of the 2012 CQF). The only faster instance: Penguins and Sabres (0:05 in Game 3 of 1979 PRLM).
• Colorado’s offense, which scored 14 goals through its first two games of a series for the first time in franchise history, saw their streak of multiple tallies in consecutive regulation periods end following a two-goal first frame. The Avalanche became the fourth team in the past 30 years to record multiple goals in five straight regulation playoff periods alongside the 2012 Flyers (6 periods), 2022 Oilers (5 periods) and 2010 Canucks (5 periods).
• MacKinnon (4-6—10 in 6 GP), whose eight career 10-point postseasons tied Corey Perry and Sidney Crosby for the second most by an active player (Brad Marchand: 10), became the sixth player in the past 40 years to register three consecutive three-point games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The others: Leon Draisaitl (5 GP in 2022), Mikko Rantanen (4 GP in 2025), Joe Pavelski (3 GP in 2010), Joe Sakic (3 GP in 1997) and Dennis Maruk (3 GP in 1986).
• Scott Wedgewood extended his win streak to six games and tied the longest by a goaltender in franchise postseason history (last: Pavel Francouz, 6 GP in 2022). Only three other netminders in Stanley Cup Playoffs history have posted a streak of that length to start their postseason careers.

MAPLE LEAFS WIN 2026 NHL DRAFT LOTTERY

The Maple Leafs won the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery and will have the No. 1 pick in the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft. Toronto, which moved from fifth to first in the lottery and began the night with an 8.5 percent chance of ending up with the No. 1 pick, will select first overall at the NHL Draft for the third time in franchise history following 2016 (Auston Matthews) and 1985 (Wendel Clark).

• The Sharks moved from ninth to the second selection in the 2026 NHL Draft and own a top-two pick for the third straight season after 2025 (No. 2: Michael Misa) and 2024 (No. 1: Macklin Celebrini). San Jose became the fifth team to pick among the top two in three straight drafts following Pittsburgh (4 from 2003 – 2006), Atlanta (4 from 1999 – 2002), Edmonton (3 from 2010 – 2012) and Quebec (3 from 1989 – 1991).

DEMIDOV, SCHAEFER AND SENNECKE VOTED CALDER TROPHY FINALISTS

Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov, Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer and Ducks forward Beckett Sennecke are the three finalists for the 2025‑26 Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded “to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition.”

SABRES-CANADIENS OPEN SERIES AHEAD OF GAME 2 OF GOLDEN KNIGHTS-DUCKS

The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs continue Wednesday when the Sabres and Canadiens contest Game 1 of their Second Round series in Buffalo before the Ducks look to even their series versus the Golden Knights.

• After their thrilling seven-game series concluded Sunday, the Canadiens are back in action against the Atlantic Division-winning Sabres (their three series wins against Montreal are tied for their most vs. one franchise), in what will be the first postseason meeting between the teams in nearly 30 years (1998 CSF). The series will pit the two highest-scoring American players dating to last season: Cole Caufield (88 G) and Tage Thompson (84 G).
• The series also features defensemen looking to build off impressive showings in the First Round. Lane Hutson (2-4—6 in 7 GP), tied for the team lead in points, can become the third blueliner in Canadiens history to record a point in each of his first five road games of a postseason, following Vladimir Malakhov (5 GP in 1998) and Larry Robinson (5 GP in 1985). The other side of the ice has Bowen Byram (3-2—5 in 6 GP), who is tied for the second-most goals by a defenseman in these playoffs. Bryam is one shy of tying the Sabres record for goals by a blueliner in a single postseason, shared by Jason Woolley (4 in 1999), Alexei Zhitnik (4 in 1999) and Mike Ramsey (4 in 1983).
• Mitch Marner (3-6—9 in 7 GP) is tied with Jack Eichel (1-8—9) for the Vegas lead in points this postseason and has done so thanks in part to consecutive multi-point outings (1-1—2 in Game 1 of R2). After finishing the regular season with the most points among players on new teams (24-56—80), Marner currently trails only Quinn Hughes (3-8–11) for that same distinction in these playoffs. The Golden Knights forward can become the sixth player in the NHL’s expansion era (since 1967-68) to be the scoring leader among players on new teams in both the regular season and postseason (tied or outright). He would join Wayne Gretzky (1996-97 w/ NYR & 1988-89 w/ LAK), Brad Richards (2011-12 w/ NYR), Adam Oates (1989-90 w/ STL), Ken Linseman (1982-83 w/ EDM) and Phil Goyette (1969-70 w/ STL).
• Jackson LaCombe (1-9—10 in 7 GP) factored on Anaheim’s lone goal in Game 1 and will look to keep contributing as the Ducks aim to even their series. Anaheim is one of three remaining teams this postseason with multiple wins following a loss (MTL: 3, ANA: 2 & BUF: 2) and a third victory in that scenario would be their most in a single playoff year since 2017 (4). LaCombe needs one more assist to reach 10 in his playoff career and can become the fastest player in Ducks history to hit the mark – Dmitri Mironov (11 GP in 1997) currently holds the distinction.

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE

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