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Conn Smythe Watch: Who's leading for Stanley Cup playoffs MVP after Round 2?
Four teams remain alive in the postseason, with several legit candidates for playoff MVP.
TOP HEADLINES
Meet the Caniacs: Carolina's tailgating, BBQ-chowing, pig-loving superfans
The Hurricanes are fueled by a rowdy, outlandish crowd that brings a college football vibe to the NHL.
Stanley Cup playoffs daily: What to watch in Hurricanes-Canadiens Game 1
The first game of the Eastern Conference finals is upon us. Plus, highlights from Avs-Golden Knights.
WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
GOLDEN KNIGHTS BEAT AVALANCHE IN OPENER
Nic Dowd secures win with an empty-netter as Vegas takes series lead
Golden Knights take Game 1: Grades for both teams, players to watch
What stood out most from Game 1 of the Western Conference finals and what to look for in Game 2.
CONFERENCE FINALS PREVIEW
Goalie confidence ratings, X factors for NHL's final four
The semifinal round of the 2026 playoffs begins Wednesday. Here's what to know about all four clubs.
NEXT SEASON STARTS NOW
Keys to the offseason: Free agency plans for Sabres, Ducks and every eliminated NHL team
We explore the next moves each team should make this summer and forecast expectations for 2026-27.
Top Headlines
- Knights make another Game 1 statement, top Avs
- Avs feel 'trickle-down effect' with Makar sidelined
- Sabres reward coach Ruff with 2-year extension
- Capitals re-sign D Liljegren to 2-year, $6.5M deal
- Montreal seals first PWHL title in Game 4 shutout
- Canes' 11-day playoffs layoff is most since 1919
- U.S. tops Germany in shootout at hockey worlds
- Rebuilding Canucks fire first-year coach Foote
- 👀 Expert picks for Avs-Knights, Canes-Canadiens
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- Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images
NHL teams' offseason keys, including free agency, draft needs
We explore the next moves each team should make this summer and forecast expectations for 2026-27.
- Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images
How Taylor Hall found his MVP form again with the Hurricanes
The No. 1 pick (2010) and Hart Trophy winner (2018) is a critical player for the Canes, who have yet to lose this postseason.
- Jaime Crawford/Getty Images
What makes Gavin McKenna the expected No. 1 pick in the upcoming NHL draft
McKenna's story has taken him from Whitehorse, Yukon, to Medicine Hat to Penn State, with the NHL expected to be the next stop. What makes him a special prospect?
- Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images
2026 NHL draft order: Picks 1-16 following the draft lottery
Here's a list of the top picks in the event taking place in Buffalo on June 26 and 27.
- Illustration by ESPN
2026 NHL draft: Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg top rankings
Who will be selected early in the draft in June? Here's an updated list of the top 32 players available.
