Stanley Cup Playoffs

The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are down to the Conference Finals with four teams remaining:

Eastern Conference Final

  • Carolina Hurricanes vs. Montreal Canadiens
  • Carolina enters the series undefeated in the playoffs at 8-0.
  • Montreal advanced after a dramatic Game 7 overtime win over Buffalo.

Western Conference Final

  • Colorado Avalanche vs. Vegas Golden Knights
  • Colorado eliminated Minnesota in five games.
  • Vegas knocked out Anaheim in six games.

Latest Playoff Notes

  • Carolina has had a long 12-day break before the East Final after sweeping Philadelphia.

Colorado’s Cale Makar reportedly missed practice ahead of Game 1 and his status is being watched closely.

Montreal’s Alex Newhook has become one of the breakout stars of the playoffs with multiple Game 7 OT winners.

 
 
 
 

PWHL Playoff Update

PWHL Playoff Update — Walter Cup Finals

PWHL WALTER CUP FINALS: GAME 3 MONTRÉAL AT OTTAWA PRIMER

thepwhl.com

2 days ago

thepwhl.com

PWHL WEEKLY NOTEBOOK: MAY 18, 2026 | PWHL - Professional Women's Hockey League

thepwhl.com

Yesterday

The Professional Women’s Hockey League Walter Cup Final is now a battle between the Montréal Victoire and the Ottawa Charge.

Finals Series

  • Montréal leads the best-of-five series 2-1.

Game 1: Montréal won 3-2 in overtime.

Game 2: Montréal won 2-1 in overtime.

Game 3: Ottawa stayed alive with a 2-1 win at home in front of a record playoff crowd.

Key Players

  • Marie-Philip Poulin leads playoff scoring for Montréal with 7 points in 7 games.
  • Rebecca Leslie scored the late winning goal in Game 3 for Ottawa.
  • Ann-Renée Desbiens has been a major factor in goal for Montréal throughout the playoffs.

Upcoming Schedule

  • Game 4: Wednesday night in Ottawa
  • Game 5 (if needed): Friday in Montréal

Around the League

The PWHL also announced expansion to San Jose for the 2026-27 season, bringing the league to 12 teams.

update on Iran

Here’s a quick update on the situation involving Iran:

Iran war day 82: Tehran warns of ‘new fronts’ as Trump sets deadline

Al Jazeera

Today
Israel said preparing for renewal of Iran war; Trump says Tehran has days to make deal

The Times of Israel

Today
Trump says Iran attack on ‘hold’: What we know about latest negotiations

Al Jazeera

Today
US Senate advances resolution to curb Trump’s power to wage war on Iran

Al Jazeera

Today
 
  • Tensions remain high between Iran, the U.S., and Israel. Reports today say President Trump has given Tehran “days” to reach a diplomatic agreement while Israel is reportedly preparing for the possibility of renewed military operations.

The White House says a previously planned U.S. strike on Iran was paused because negotiations are ongoing. Trump described the talks as “serious,” though officials indicate military options remain available if diplomacy fails.

Iran reportedly responded to a U.S. proposal through Pakistani mediators. Tehran’s demands reportedly include sanctions relief, release of frozen assets, and influence over shipping access in the Strait of Hormuz.

In Washington, the U.S. Senate advanced a War Powers resolution intended to limit unilateral presidential military action against Iran, reflecting growing political concern over escalation.

Reuters also reported explosions on Iran’s Qeshm Island that Iranian media said were caused by disposal of unexploded munitions.

Separately, the U.S. Treasury is pushing allies to intensify sanctions enforcement against Iranian financial networks and oil operations.

There are also continuing reports of domestic repression and internet disruptions inside Iran amid the broader regional conflict.

Iran conflict as of May 19, 2026:

Here’s the latest on the Iran conflict as of May 19, 2026:

Key Developments

  • A fragile ceasefire between Iran, the United States, and Israel is still holding, but tensions remain very high.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump said a planned new strike on Iran was paused after Gulf countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE pushed for more negotiations.

Iran has reportedly offered a new proposal involving limits on its nuclear program and possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but U.S. officials say the offer does not yet go far enough.

Iran warned it could “open new fronts” if attacks resume.

Military Situation

  • Fighting has slowed compared with earlier weeks, but clashes and airstrikes are still happening in parts of the region, especially involving Lebanon and Hezbollah.

Reuters reported explosions on Iran’s Qeshm Island today that Iranian media said were caused by disposal of unexploded ammunition.

Analysts say both sides are rebuilding military positions during the ceasefire period.

Economic Impact

  • The conflict continues to affect oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, increasing pressure on fuel prices and global markets.

Iran’s president acknowledged the country has suffered serious economic and infrastructure damage from the war.

Diplomatic Outlook

  • Indirect talks are continuing through mediators, including Pakistan and Gulf states.

Experts say the situation remains unstable and could either move toward a broader agreement or slide back into fighting if negotiations fail.