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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.

TOP HEADLINES

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.

Who will be beasts of the East? Early look at Hurricanes-Canadiens matchup
Who will represent the East in the Stanley Cup Final? Get set with key stats, schedule and more.

Why Kevin Weekes gives Hurricanes edge in East final


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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.



NHL
Golden Knights roll to early lead, hold off Avs 4-2 to open Western Conference Final
— Dylan Coghlan scored his first playoff goal to get Vegas rolling, Carter Hart made 36 saves and the Golden Knights opened the Western Conference Final by holding off the


NHL
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Colorado Avalanche: Game Highlights
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Colorado Avalanche: Game Highlights

Top Headlines
- Golden Knights strike first, down Avs to open series
- Avs' Makar 'doing a lot better,' but sits out G1
- 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
- 🏒 Gavin McKenna's path to expected No. 1 pick
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Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images NHL teams' offseason keys, including free agency, draft needs
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