* Andrei Svechnikov scored his first career playoff overtime goal as Carolina improved to 5-0 in games requiring extra time this postseason and moved within two wins of its third Stanley Cup Final appearance.
* The Hurricanes withstood another electric atmosphere at Bell Centre during Game 3, which marked the first Conference Finals/Semifinals contest with a capacity crowd at the venue in nearly 12 years.
* Tuesday features the Avalanche aiming to force Game 5 in their Western Conference Final series against the Golden Knights, who can sweep the Presidents’ Trophy winners and become the seventh franchise in NHL history with three Stanley Cup Final appearances in their first nine seasons.
SVECHNIKOV steers HURRICANES TO SECOND STRAIGHT OVERTIME VICTORY Andrei Svechnikov scored the overtime winner as Carolina became the first team to earn consecutive victories versus Montreal this postseason and took a 2-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Final. The Hurricanes need two more wins to reach the Stanley Cup Final for the third time in franchise history (also 2006 & 2002).
* Carolina won consecutive playoff games where each contest needed overtime for the sixth time in franchise history and for the third time during the Conference Finals or later. Each of the previous two instances at this stage in a postseason were during the 2002 playoffs (Game 6 of CF – Game 1 of SCF & Game 2-3 of CF).
* The Hurricanes have earned seven consecutive victories in postseason contests requiring overtime dating to Game 5 of the 2025 First Round. Carolina tied its longest winning streak in franchise history set from Game 5 of the 2021 First Round to Game 5 of the 2023 Second Round.
The 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft is now just one month away with Round 1 set to take place on Friday, June 26 (7 p.m. ET, ESPN, ESPN+, SN, TVAS) at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. Rounds 2‑7 will be held on Saturday, June 27 (11 a.m. ET, NHLN, ESPN+, SN). The Maple Leafs enter the draft with the No. 1 overall selection for the first time in 10 years – the last was also at an NHL Draft held in Buffalo – with Penn State forward Gavin McKenna and Frolunda forward Ivar Stenberg ranked as the No. 1 prospect among North America and international skaters, respectively.
* CLICK HERE for more #NHLStats ahead of the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft
* McKenna completed his freshman season at Penn State in which he finished fifth in NCAA scoring with 15-36—51 in 35 GP and can join a very small group of players born in Canada’s Yukon Territory to be selected in the NHL Draft or appear in an NHL game. At 18 years of age, McKenna’s trophy case already includes Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2025-26), a WHL championship (2025-26), WHL and CHL Player of the Year (2024-25) as well as WHL and CHL Rookie of the Year (2023-24).
* Stenberg spent the 2025-26 season skating for Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League – the top men’s league in the country – where the 18-year-old forward led all SHL teenagers with 11-22—33 in 43 GP ahead of already drafted skaters Anton Frondell (No. 3 in 2025 by CHI), Eddie Genborg (No. 44 in 2025 by DET) and Victor Eklund (No. 16 in 2025 by NYI). On the international stage, Stenberg helped Team Sweden win gold at the 2026 World Junior Championship where he tied for the team lead and fifth in tournament scoring with 4-6—10 in 7 GP including a goal and two assists in the gold medal game. He is currently representing his country at the 2026 World Championship.
COLORADO CAN FORCE GAME 5, VEGAS VIES FOR THIRD stanley cup FINAL BERTH Nazem Kadri and the Avalanche aim to cut their Western Conference Final series deficit to 3-1 against Mark Stone and the Golden Knights, who look to sweep the Presidents’ Trophy winners and advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the third time since joining the NHL during the 2017-18 season (also 2023 & 2018).
* Kadri can help the Avalanche become the fifth team in League history to win a playoff round after facing a 3-0 series deficit following the Kings against the Sharks during the 2014 First Round, Flyers versus the Bruins in the 2010 Conference Semifinals, Islanders against the Penguins during the 1975 Quarterfinals and Maple Leafs versus the Red Wings in the 1942 Stanley Cup Final. Brent Burns and Tomas Hertl skated with San Jose during the last instance, with the former aiming to become the first player in NHL history to win a postseason round after facing a 3-0 series deficit following a loss in one where his team held a 3-0 lead.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Atlantic City’s casinos saw their profits tumble in the first quarter as rising labor and operating expenses continued to squeeze the industry, state regulators said Monday.
The nine casinos reported a combined gross operating profit of $104.7 million from January through March, according to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. That was down 22.9% from the same period a year ago and follows a 4% profit decline in 2025.
Gross operating profit — earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and other charges — is the industry’s standard measure of profitability.
Only Bally’s and Caesars posted year‑over‑year profit gains, though Bally’s remained in the red. Golden Nugget also reported an operating loss. Seven casinos, including market leaders Borgata, Hard Rock, and Ocean, saw profits shrink.
Casinos generated $725.6 million in net revenue during the quarter, essentially flat from a year earlier. Net revenue includes gambling, hotel rooms, food and beverage sales, and other resort amenities.
Regulators said higher expenses — particularly for labor, goods, and services — erased any benefit from stable revenue.
“Atlantic City reported flat net revenue in the first quarter, a reflection of ongoing general economic pressure,” said James Plousis, chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission. “The casino hotels also encountered their highest first‑quarter costs and expenses in nine years, significantly constraining reported gross operating profits.”
Borgata remained the city’s top‑earning property, though its $39.7 million profit represented an 18% decline. Hard Rock was second at $19.7 million, down 25%, followed by Ocean at $18.7 million, down 17%.
Plousis said operators remain committed to the market despite rising costs and looming competition from three full‑scale casinos expected to open in New York City later this decade. He noted that Atlantic City casinos have invested more than $1.3 billion in property upgrades over the past five years.
“During my recent off‑season tours of each casino hotel, it was clear that notable improvements have continued, and a high level of commitment to the market has not wavered,” he said. “Atlantic City is ready for an exciting summer season.”
Hotel metrics showed modest improvement. Casino‑hotel occupancy rose from 62.9% in the first quarter of 2025 to 64.6% this year, while the average nightly room rate increased from $159.13 to $161.03. Those gains were not enough to offset higher operating costs.
The second quarter began on stronger footing. Casinos won $235.6 million from in‑person gamblers in April, a 12-year high for the month and up 12% from April 2025. Gaming revenue rose 1.6% in January, fell 0.3% in February, and increased 2.5% in March.
May could be softer, however, as a rainy Memorial Day weekend and higher gas prices were expected to dampen travel.
T-Mobile Arena 3780 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas, NV
Capacity: 17,500 (hockey configuration)
Atmosphere: One of the NHL’s loudest playoff buildings
VGK home playoff record this postseason: 5–1
Vegas has dominated at home, outscoring opponents 21–11 at T-Mobile Arena during the 2026 playoffs.
Start Time & Broadcast
Puck Drop: 7:30 PM Pacific
TV: ESPN / Sportsnet / TVA Sports
Radio: Alt 98.9 (VGK), 92.5 FM (COL)
Injury Report
Colorado Avalanche
Mikko Rantanen — Questionable (upper body) Missed Game 3; traveled with team; true game‑time decision.
Valeri Nichushkin — Out (personal) Not available for the series.
Samuel Girard — Out (lower body) No timetable for return.
Pavel Francouz — Out (hip) Season-ending.
Vegas Golden Knights
Jack Eichel — Probable (maintenance) Expected to play; no concern from coaching staff.
Alex Pietrangelo — Probable (lower body) Skated fully Monday.
William Karlsson — Out (foot) Remains unavailable; Vegas has adjusted well.
Team Records
Colorado Avalanche
Regular season: 52–16–11
Playoffs: 4–7
Road: 2–4
Vegas Golden Knights
Regular season: 47–28–7
Playoffs: 9–2
Home: 5–1
Recent Form
Avalanche — Last 5
L at VGK (G3) — 4–2
L at VGK (G2) — 5–3
L vs VGK (G1) — 3–2 (OT)
W vs DAL — 3–1
W vs DAL — 4–2
Trend: Colorado is struggling to generate 5‑on‑5 offense without Rantanen and Nichushkin. Defensive zone exits have been sloppy, leading to extended Vegas pressure.
Golden Knights — Last 5
W vs COL (G3) — 4–2
W vs COL (G2) — 5–3
W at COL (G1) — 3–2 (OT)
W vs EDM — 5–2
L at EDM — 4–3
Trend: Vegas is rolling. Their forecheck is overwhelming Colorado’s depleted blue line, and Adin Hill has outplayed Georgiev by a wide margin.
Series History (2026 WCSF)
Vegas leads 3–0
VGK has outscored COL 12–7
Colorado has led for only 7 total minutes in the series
Vegas has won 7 of the last 9 playoff meetings dating back to 2021
Key pattern: Vegas is dominating the high-danger chances battle (58–42), and Colorado’s transition game has been neutralized.
Key Player Matchups
Jack Eichel vs. Nathan MacKinnon
Eichel: 2G, 3A in the series; controlling pace
MacKinnon: 1G, 2A; being forced wide and denied middle ice
Vegas is shadowing MacKinnon with Stephenson + Pietrangelo pair
Edge:Vegas
Mark Stone vs. Cale Makar
Stone’s two‑way dominance has tilted the series
Makar is logging heavy minutes (27+ per game) and showing fatigue
Vegas is targeting Makar physically every shift
Edge:Vegas
Adin Hill vs. Alexandar Georgiev
Hill: .924 SV% in series
Georgiev: .886 SV% in series
Colorado needs Georgiev to steal a game; he hasn’t yet
Edge:Vegas (significant)
Betting Trends
Against the Spread (Puck Line)
VGK is 7–4 ATS in playoffs
COL is 4–7 ATS
Vegas has covered 5 of last 6 at home
Totals
Under is 2–1 in this series
Vegas home unders: 4–2
Colorado road unders: 5–3
Moneyline
Vegas has won 6 straight playoff games
Colorado has lost 5 of last 6
Game Odds
Colorado Avalanche – 115
Vegas Golden Knights 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, May 25, 2026
Known for: one of the loudest lower bowls in the NBA, strong officiating tilt toward OKC in high‑leverage games
Start Time & Broadcast
Tip‑off: 8:30 PM Central
TV: ESPN / ABC
Radio: WWLS (OKC), WOAI (SA)
Injury Report
San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama — Probable (knee management) Routine maintenance; expected to play 38–42 minutes.
Devin Vassell — Questionable (hamstring tightness) Left Game 4 early; trending toward game‑time decision.
Jeremy Sochan — Out (wrist) No return expected this postseason.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Chet Holmgren — Probable (ankle soreness) Limited practice; expected to play.
Jalen Williams — Probable (hip contusion) Should be available with no minutes restriction.
Isaiah Joe — Questionable (illness) Game‑time decision.
Team Records
San Antonio Spurs
Regular season: 50–32 (4th West)
Playoffs: 11–6
Road: 5–4
Oklahoma City Thunder
Regular season: 62–20 (1st West)
Playoffs: 10–5
Home: 6–1
Recent Form
Spurs — Last 5
L at OKC (G4) — 112–103
W vs OKC (G3) — 118–109
W at OKC (G2) — 121–115
L at OKC (G1) — 108–101
W vs MIN (G7)
Trend: San Antonio’s offense has been inconsistent on the road. Wembanyama is carrying the scoring load, but the Spurs’ perimeter shooting has dipped in losses (combined 18‑for‑66 from three in Games 1 & 4).
Thunder — Last 5
W vs SA (G4) — 112–103
L at SA (G3) — 118–109
L vs SA (G2) — 121–115
W vs SA (G1) — 108–101
W vs LAL (G6)
Trend: OKC’s defense tightened in Game 4, forcing 16 turnovers and holding SA to 103. Their home form remains elite.
Series History (2026 WCF)
Series tied 2–2
Home teams are 3–1
Average margin of victory: 8.5 points
Wembanyama: 29.8 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 4.5 BPG
SGA: 31.0 PPG, 7.2 APG
Key pattern: The team that wins the rebounding battle is 4–0 in this series.
Key Player Matchups
Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren
The marquee matchup of the postseason.
Wembanyama:
Dominant rim protection
Spurs’ offense flows through him late
Averaging nearly 30 & 12 in the series
Holmgren:
Must avoid early fouls
Needs to stretch Wemby to the perimeter
OKC is +14 with him on the floor in Game 4
Edge:Spurs (slightly)
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander vs. Tre Jones
SGA has been the best closer in the series.
Jones struggles to contain him without help.
Expect more traps and blitzes from SA.
Edge:Thunder
Jalen Williams vs. Devin Vassell (if active)
Williams is OKC’s X‑factor; when he scores 20+, OKC is 7–1 in playoffs.
Vassell’s hamstring is the biggest swing factor of Game 5.
Edge:Thunder (if Vassell limited)
Betting Trends
Against the Spread (ATS)
OKC: 9–6 ATS in playoffs
SA: 10–7 ATS in playoffs
Home team is 3–1 ATS in this series.
Totals
Over/Under: 2–2 in this series
Spurs road unders: 5–4
Thunder home unders: 5–2
Moneyline
Thunder: 6–1 at home
Spurs: 5–4 on the road
Game Odds
San Antonio Spurs 215.5
Oklahoma City Thunder – 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, May 25, 2026
NEW YORK – The National Football League announced that Nashville will host Super Bowl LXIV in 2030 at the new Nissan Stadium.
The announcement was made at the NFL Spring League Meeting in Orlando following a review of the proposal by the NFL’s Fan Engagement & Major Events Committee and a vote by full ownership.
“The 2019 NFL Draft in Nashville was one of the greatest fan events in our history,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Super Bowl LXIV at the new stadium is the next step in this remarkable football journey. The vision of Amy Adams Strunk and the Tennessee Titans helped make this moment possible. With great partners at the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. and Tennessee Titans, we can’t wait to put on an unforgettable show in 2030.”
Super Bowl LXIV will mark the first time Nashville will host the event.
“Hosting the Super Bowl is a defining moment for Nashville and Tennessee and reflects years of work to build Music City into a globally recognized destination for music, entertainment, and live events,” said Deana Ivey, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, president & CEO. “This event is an incredible opportunity to showcase the dynamic and creative character of Nashville to a global audience and to deliver a Super Bowl experience that is distinctly Music City, where music, sports, culture, and hospitality come together in a way few cities can match. We are grateful to the NFL for the confidence they have placed in our community. Nashville has earned a reputation for hosting major events at the highest level, and we are ready to welcome the world.”
In 2019, Nashville hosted the NFL Draft and set a standard, drawing 600,000 fans in a then-record-setting weekend that generated $224 million in economic impact. In addition to the game, Super Bowl week will feature NFL Honors, Super Bowl Experience presented by Jersey Mike’s, Super Bowl Opening Night fueled by Gatorade and meaningful community initiatives, including NFL Source, the league’s procurement program for local and underrepresented businesses.
“We are thrilled that the new Nissan Stadium will host Nashville’s first Super Bowl in 2030,” said Tennessee Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk. “This is an exciting moment for our city and our entire state. We cannot wait for our community to experience an event of this magnitude and for the world to see the energy, hospitality, and culture that make our city so special on a global stage. Thank you to Commissioner Goodell, my fellow owners, and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. for their partnership throughout this process. We look forward to bringing an unforgettable Super Bowl experience to Nashville together.”
On Location, the Official Hospitality Partner of the NFL, today launched its Priority Access deposit program for Super Bowl LXIV hospitality packages, offering fans the first opportunity to guarantee seats to the game. On Location’s packages include premium seating options, world-class hospitality service, high-end food and beverage offerings, exclusive entertainment and one-of-a-kind experiences that will create lasting memories. A fully refundable, time-stamped Priority Access deposit assures fans their first choice of Super Bowl LXIV tickets and bespoke experiences. To learn more or place a deposit, visit https://OnLocationExp.com/SuperBowlLXIV.
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated infielder/outfielder Kiké Hernández from the injured list and designated infielder/outfielder Santiago Espinal for assignment.
Hernández, 34, missed the first 53 games of the season recovering from an elbow injury. He played in 12 rehab games with Triple-A Oklahoma City, batting .214 with two doubles and three RBI. He has played 920 games for the Dodgers, returning for his 10th season with the club after playing 92 games last season and clubbing 10 homers with 35 RBI. He appeared in all 17 playoff games, batting .250 with nine runs, one homer and seven RBI. On October 24, 2025, he became the franchise leader in postseason appearances with his 87th game and with 103 career postseason games, he ranks eighth all-time in Major League history. He is the fourth player of Puerto Rican descent with 100+ career postseason appearances, joining Jorge Posada (125), Bernie Williams (121) and Yadier Molina (104). He is in his 13th Major League season overall, having played with Houston (2014), Miami (2014), Los Angeles (2015-20, 2023-), Boston (2021-23), slashing .236/.305/.403 with 130 homers and 470 RBI in 1,275 career games.
Espinal, 31, batted .220 with three doubles, one homer and four RBI in 26 games for the Dodgers. He played 114 games with the Reds last season, batting .243 with 16 RBI while playing six different positions on the field. He was an All-Star in 2022 for the Toronto Blue Jays, playing in a career-best 135 games and hitting .267 with seven homers and 51 RBI. In seven Major League seasons in Toronto (2020-23), Cincinnati (2024-25) and Los Angeles (2026), he has played in 604 games with a .260 batting average and 21 homers while playing seven different positions. He was originally drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 10th round of the 2016 First Year Player Draft out of Miami Dade Community College.
* Three was the lucky number in Las Vegas for Game 3 as the Golden Knights overcame a three-goal deficit en route to a 3-0 series lead in the Western Conference Final. Vegas became the ninth team in NHL history to record a three-goal comeback win in the round before the Stanley Cup Final.
* John Tortorella became the first head coach in NHL history to lead his team to a 3-0 lead in a best-of-seven series against the League’s No. 1 seed multiple times. The Golden Knights bench boss also joined a short all-time list with his third career three-goal comeback win in the postseason.
* The Canadiens welcome the Hurricanes to Bell Centre for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final with a 2-1 series lead on the line. Teams that take a 2-1 lead in a best-of seven during the round before the Stanley Cup Final go on to win that series more than three quarters of the time.
GOLDEN KNIGHTS STUN AVALANCHE WITH THREE-GOAL RALLY, CLAIM 3-0 SERIES LEAD
GabrielLandeskog scored the first of three straight Avalanche goals as his club took a 3-0 lead into the first intermission but MarkStone (1-1—2) – in the lineup for the first time since Game 3 of the Second Round – scored the first of five straight Golden Knights goals as Vegas stole Game 3 from the Presidents’ Trophy winners and moved within one victory of their third Stanley Cup Final appearance in nine NHL seasons.
* The Golden Knights, who captured the franchise’s first three-goal comeback win in the postseason, became the seventh team in Stanley Cup Playoffs history to register a three-goal comeback victory against the No. 1-seeded club. The others: Blue Jackets (Game 1 of 2019 R1 at TBL), Jets (Game 3 of 2018 R2 vs. NSH), Flyers (Game 3 of 1987 SCF vs. EDM), Flames (Game 2 of 1984 DF at EDM), Canadiens (Game 2 of 1971 QF at BOS) and Maple Leafs (Game 3 of 1936 SCF vs. DET).
Did You Know? The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are the fifth straight postseason to feature multiple three-goal comeback victories (also COL in Game 5 of R2). The only other streak of that length in NHL history occurred from 1982 to 1988 (7 years).
DEJA VU: TORTORELLA ALL TOO FAMILIAR WITH SUNDAY’S RESULT
The Golden Knights improved to 18-4-1 under head coach John Tortorella, who joined the club with eight games remaining in their regular-season schedule. Tortorella has now been the head coach for each of the NHL’s past two times a team has rallied from a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Presidents’ Trophy winners in a playoff game after he watched his Blue Jackets accomplish the feat in Game 1 of the 2019 First Round against the 62-win Lightning en route to a series sweep.
* Tortorella, who earned his third career three-goal comeback win in the playoffs, became the first coach in NHL history to lead a best-of-seven series 3-0 against the No. 1-seeded team multiple times.
MORE #NHLSTATS YOU NEED TO KNOW FROM T-MOBILE ARENA
* The Golden Knights sit one win shy of their third Stanley Cup Final appearance, which would tie the Flyers and Blues for the second most by a franchise through their first nine seasons in the NHL’s expansion era, behind the Oilers (5).
* The Golden Knights recorded their sixth season with 50 or more wins (regular season and playoffs combined) – the second most by a franchise through their first nine seasons, behind only the Oilers (7).
* MitchMarner (0-2—2) boosted his totals in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs to 7-14—21 (15 GP). He is one of five players in the past 30 years with 14 or more assists through his first 15 career playoff games with a franchise, alongside DavidPastrnak (15 w/ BOS), ReillySmith (14 w/ VGK), Sidney Crosby (14 w/ PIT) and Wayne Gretzky (14 w/ STL).
* BrettHowden (10-2—12) capped the evening with his 10th goal of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and tied teammate PavelDorofeyev (10-4—14) for the League lead. It marked the fifth time since 2014 that a pair of teammates were the League’s first two players to hit a double-digit goal total in a single postseason, following ZachHyman and LeonDraisaitl (EDM in 2024), LoganCouture and TomasHertl (SJS in 2019), JakeGuentzel and EvgeniMalkin (PIT in 2017) as well as MarianGaborik and JeffCarter (LAK in 2014).
CANADIENS, HURRICANES BATTLE FOR 2-1 LEAD AS SERIES SHIFTS TO BELL CENTRE
The Canadiens welcome the Hurricanes to Bell Centre for a pivotal Game 3, with a 2-1 series lead on the line, in the Eastern Conference Final after NikolajEhlers and JoshAnderson sparked the offense for their respective clubs during an overtime thriller in Game 2. Teams that take a 2-1 lead in a best-of seven series during the round before the Stanley Cup Final hold an all-time series record of 92-28 (.767).
* Eric Robinson (2-2—4 in 10 GP)is an undrafted, 10-season NHL veteran and has become an unexpected source of offense for the Hurricanes, who have their sights on a fifth straight road win to start the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Robinson has found the back of the net in each of the first two games of the Eastern Conference Final and can become the third player in franchise history to start a series with a three-game goal streak, following LoganStankoven (4 GP in 2026 R1) and PatVerbeek (3 GP in 1991 DSF). The 30-year-old can also become the fourth active player to score each of his first three or more goals of a postseason in the Conference Finals/Semifinals alongside Jason Robertson (4 in 2025), Cole Caufield (4 in 2021) and Tyler Seguin (3 in 2011).
* Phillip Danault (2-8—10 in 16 GP), with a reputation for being a go-to, two-way center, has adapted the script in the Eastern Conference Final with the Canadiens and has collected a series-best four points (1-3—4). When the puck drops for Game 3, he can join P.K. Subban (3 GP in 2014 R2) as the second Canadiens player in the past 45 years to record multiple points in each of his team’s first three games of a series.
