Much has been written and said in recent days about the Montreal Canadiens needing to shoot more in their Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. After Game 3, coach Martin St-Louis admitted that his team needed to generate a higher volume of shots after spending the season brushing aside concerns over the lack of shots. While we weren’t in the video room with the team on Tuesday, there’s no doubt that St-Louis told his men that they needed to shoot more. Then, on Wednesday night, 21,000 people told them as well when they replaced the traditional “Go Habs Go” chant with an annoyed: “Shoot the puck!”

The problem, however, is that something else needs to be fixed before the Canadiens can take more shots: they need to get out of their own zone. When the puck dropped on Game 4, play immediately went in the Canadiens’ zone, and the Hurricanes started to control play. When the Habs got the puck back, be it on a rebound or by intercepting a pass, they were unable to do anything with it, aside from turning it over most of the time.

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How many attempted lob clearances have we seen in this series? Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Jake Evans have all attempted that kind of play and failed to execute it. Even worse, there are times when the Habs don’t even get the opportunity to miss that play because by the time they’ve decided what they want to do with the puck, they’ve had their pocket picked.

If you can’t exit the zone, it will be hard to get more shots on net. We’ve often heard that when a player has reached his ceiling, the game slows down for him and he can make the right reads and decisions in seconds. At times this season, it genuinely looked like the game had slowed down for the Canadiens’ top line, but not in these playoffs. If anything, it looks like the Hurricanes are playing at ludicrous speed, yes, the same speed spaceships can reach in Spaceballs.

What’s the solution? There may not be one right now. The Canadiens are in the fourth year of their rebuild, and they’ve yet to reach the Hurricanes’ level of experience and dedication to their system. Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton’s job is not done yet, far from it. Martin St-Louis is doing what he can with the roster he has, but he cannot get on the ice himself. It’s up to the players to execute, and the fact is that there are still key pieces missing in the puzzle. As for the pieces that are already there, they appear to be running on empty. 

Last season in the playoffs, the Canadiens learned from the Washington Capitals that the postseason is physically demanding, and you need to be ready to be hit. This time around, the Canadiens are watching an execution clinic. Carolina is just so good at executing their game plan that the Canadiens are watching the train go by. If the series is to end in five games on Friday night, though, the Habs will still be able to hold their heads high; they’ve learned a lot this postseason. They’ve learned to play with incredibly high stakes, and they've closed two series in Game 7, which is priceless. Down the line, all that experience will come in handy, even if the players are hurting right now.

Shake and Blake then add some Stank 😤 pic.twitter.com/3m5Fos7U9B

— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) May 28, 2026

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The NHL released two potential Stanley Cup Final schedules on Thursday May 28, depending on whether the Carolina Hurricanes wrap up the Eastern Conference finals in Game 5.

If the Hurricanes beat the Montreal Canadiens on Friday, May 29, the Stanley Cup Final will start on June 2 and run through June 17 if it goes the distance. If the Canadiens win and extend the conference finals to six or seven games, the Final will start on June 4 and potentially run through June 20.

The Vegas Golden Knights clinched a spot in the final by sweeping the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference finals.

They finished with fewer points than the Hurricanes and Canadiens, so they'll start the series on the road and host Games 3, 4 and a possible Game 6. The Eastern winner will host Games 1, 2 and Games 5 and 7, if needed.

Stanley Cup Final schedule scenarios

If Hurricanes win Game 5

• Game 1: Tuesday, June 2, Vegas at Carolina, 8, ABC
• Game 2: Thursday, June 4, Vegas at Carolina, 8, ABC
• Game 3: Saturday, June 6, Carolina at Vegas, 8, ABC
• Game 4: Tuesday, June 9, Carolina at Vegas, 8, ABC
• x-Game 5: Thursday, June 11, Vegas at Carolina, 8, ABC
• x-Game 6: Sunday, June 14, Carolina at Vegas, 8, ABC
• x-Game 7: Wednesday, June 17, Vegas at Carolina, 8, ABC

If conference finals last six or seven games

• Game 1: Thursday, June 4, Vegas at Carolina/Montreal, 8, ABC
• Game 2: Saturday, June 6, Vegas at Carolina/Montreal, 8, ABC
• Game 3 Tuesday, June 9, Carolina/Montreal at Vegas, 8, ABC
• Game 4: Thursday, June 11, Carolina/Montreal at Vegas, 8, ABC
• x-Game 5: Sunday, June 14, Vegas at Carolina/Montreal, 8, ABC
• x-Game 6: Wednesday, June 17, Carolina/Montreal at Vegas, 8, ABC
• x-Game 7: Saturday, June 20, Vegas at Carolina/Montreal, 8, ABC

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stanley Cup 2026 schedule scenarios announced by NHL

Four-time Stanley Cup winner Claude Lemieux, who was playoff MVP in 1995 and was involved in a controversial hit in 1996, died Thursday at age 60, the Montreal Canadiens announced.

Lemieux won his first Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1986.

“Today is a dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community. I wish to express my most sincere and deepest condolences to Claude’s family and loved ones,” said Geoff Molson, owner and CEO of Groupe CH. “A fierce competitor who rose to the occasion in big moments, Claude was a relentless, courageous, and tenacious player who led the team to the highest honors. He embodied the very essence of being a Montreal Canadiens player."

Lemieux had carried the torch into Montreal's Bell Centre before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final.

Claude Lemieux carried the torch for Montreal on Monday before Game 3…

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/wpmkE47lyi

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 28, 2026

Lemieux won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1995 as the New Jersey Devils swept the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Final. He had a league-best 13 goals that postseason.

Lemieux joined the Colorado Avalanche the following season and won his third Stanley Cup. During the postseason run, he hit Kris Draper from behind into the boards, disfiguring the Red Wings player's face. Lemieux received a two-game suspension.

The Red Wings and Avalanche got into a brawl the following season as they tried to get back at Lemieux.

Lemieux moved back to the Devils for one season in 1999-2000, winning his fourth Stanley Cup.

He finished his career with the Phoenix Coyotes and Dallas Stars and then played 18 games with the San Jose Sharks in the 2008-09 season.

USA TODAY Sports contacted the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Office but has been notified that the information it has for Claude Lemieux is "exempt from public records." We will update this story as more information is released.

Claude Lemieux cause of death update

The Palm County Medical Examiner's Office told USA TODAY Sports in response to an open records request that "all public records you have requested for Claude Lemieux are exempt from public records as specified under SB 474 - FS 406.135. (2) (c)."

The Floridastatute cited by the Palm County Medical Examiner’s Office was enacted in 2024 and exempts photos, videos, audio recordings and autopsy reports related to suicide victims from general public records requests.

Gary Bettman statement on Claude Lemieux

NHL commissioner has released a statement in the wake of Lemieux's death.

"The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the greatest big-game players in hockey history," he wrote. You can read the full statement here.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Claude Lemieux, four-time Stanley Cup winner, dies at 60

In this episode of Sens Nation, we discuss Pierre LeBrun’s report that Claude Giroux has decided to return for another season. Surely, it's only a matter of time before he and the Ottawa Senators get a deal done, right?

We also debate whether pending unrestricted free agent Viktor Arvidsson could be a good fit in Ottawa, and whether moving Dylan Cozens to the wing would make sense for the Senators this fall. Cozens sure looks good in that spot at the World Hockey Championships.

Plus:

Montreal Canadiens fans in Gatineau, along with the Quebec government, push back after the NHL (and probably the Senators) shut down a planned Habs fan viewing party at the Slush Puppie Centre on Saturday. After losing that game, it wouldn't have been much of a party anyway.

The Senators, who just got a new alternate jersey this season will be getting yet another one next season.

What is the PWHL trying to accomplish with player salary disclosure?

Former Senators Jason York is heading into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame

Subscribe to the show for Ottawa Senators news, NHL analysis, trade rumours, game breakdowns, and weekly Sens Nation episodes.

Claude Lemieux’s death at the age of 60 was revealed to be by suicide, according to TMZ.

He was found in the warehouse of a furniture store owned by his family in Florida at around 3 am after they’d become concerned he had not come home, per the outlet.

The NHL Alumni Association announced the four-time Stanley Cup-winning forward’s death on Thursday.

It came just days after he carried the torch in Montreal’s Bell Centre before the Canadiens took on the Hurricanes in Game 3 of the NHL’s Eastern Conference finals on Monday.

Lemieux won the first of his four Cups with the Habs in 1986, adding two more as a member of the Devils (1995, 2000) and a one with the Avalanche (1996).

“A clutch player on the ice and greatly appreciated by Devils’ fans off it, Claude’s impact in bringing the first-ever Stanley Cup to New Jersey will forever be remembered as one of the paramount performances in team history,” the Devils said in a statement. “Widely respected throughout the NHL, both as a trusted agent and a valued colleague, Claude leaves behind a lasting legacy within our game that he gave so much to.”

A famed agitator, Lemieux posted 379 goals and 786 points in 1,215 NHL games, but picked up his game most in the postseason, notching 80 goals and 158 points in 234 playoff matches.

“The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the greatest big-game Players in hockey history,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.

“Lemieux forged his postseason reputation and won the Cup for the first time as a rookie in 1986, when he scored 10 goals in the Playoffs for the Montreal Canadiens. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as Playoffs MVP in 1995, scoring 13 goals in 20 postseason games with the New Jersey Devils. He also was an integral part of Cup-winning teams in Colorado, in 1996, and back with New Jersey in 2000.”

After retiring from pro hockey in 2009, Lemieux went on to become a certified player agent, representing Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen and Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider.

“He’s like family,” Andersen told The North State Journal’s Cory Lavalette after Game 3.

Lemieux is surived by his wife, Deborah, and four children, including son Brendan, a former Rangers forward.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — On locker room cleanout day last week, General Manager and President of Hockey Operations Bill Guerin did not exactly hide what the Minnesota Wild need.

“The preference would be to get a natural center,” Guerin said Monday during the team’s end-of-season media availability.

There is no doubt that is the focus in the offseason. But the Wild also have to decide what to do on defense.

Zach Bogosian and Jeff Petry both played down the stretch for the Wild in the playoffs and are both veteran right-shot defenders.

Petry, 38, played in nine regular-season games and three playoff games.

Bogosian, 35, played in 41 regular-season games and nine of the 12 playoff games for the Wild. He battled injuries all year, but there is no doubt about how respected he is in the locker room and by the Wild front office.

But, as the old saying goes, sometimes the best ability is durability.

Which makes Brent Burns an intriguing option.

Burns, 41, is a rugged right-shot defenseman who has been in the NHL since 2003 after the Wild drafted him with the 20th overall pick in the 2003 NHL Draft.

In his 22nd NHL season after signing a one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche, Burns joined Phil Kessel (1,064 games) as the only players in NHL history to play 1,000 consecutive games.

The 6-foot-5 defenseman has 273 goals, 672 assists and 945 points in 1,579 career NHL games.

He sits 14th all-time in NHL history for games played, and if he were to play another 82 games next season, Burns would sit 8th in NHL history with 1,661.

Why not bring him back to Minnesota, where it all started?

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

Other Wild News

‘It Feels Like Home’: Mats Zuccarello Hopes His Wild Career Isn’t OverAs the veteran winger enters a crucial offseason, he opens up about his undeniable chemistry with Kirill Kaprizov and a deep-rooted desire to finish his career in Minnesota.

- 'I'm A Big Believer In John': Bill Guerin Commits To John Hynes.

- Wild's Filip Gustavsson To Undergo Offseason Hip Surgery.

- 'I Love The City And The Fans': Quinn Hughes Already Feels At Home In Minnesota.

- Wild Rookie Goaltender Finishes Sixth In Calder Trophy Voting.

- Bill Guerin Named Finalist For Jim Gregory General Manager Of The Year Award.

On Thursday morning, the NHL Alumni Association announced that NHL legend and former San Jose Sharks winger Claude Lemieux has passed away at the age of 60. 

Lemieux's NHL journey began when he was drafted by his local team, the Montreal Canadiens, in the second round of the 1983 NHL Draft. He then made his NHL debut during the 1983-84 season and even scored his first career goal during his first eight game stint in Montreal. 

Lemieux earned his first Stanley Cup championship in 1986 after splitting time between the Canadiens and the Sherbrooke Canadiens of the American Hockey League.

The tenacious winger would establish himself as a full-time NHLer during the 1986-87 season, playing in 76 games for the Canadiens. He surpassed the 20-goal plateau for the first time in his career as well, finding the back of the net 27 times. He would remain with the Canadiens through the end of the 1980s and into 1990. He was traded to the New Jersey Devils for the 1990-91 season, and spent five seasons in the Garden State.

In his final season in New Jersey, Lemieux won his second Stanley Cup and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy for the only time in his career after scoring 13 goals in the playoffs.

The newly established Colorado Avalanche acquired Lemieux ahead of the 1995-96 season. He would go on to win the Stanley Cup for the second straight year during his first campaign in Colorado.

After four full seasons in Colorado, the Avalanche sent Lemieux back to New Jersey in the middle of the 1999-00 season and he went on to win his fourth, and final, Stanley Cup as a member of the Devils. 

At the start of the new millennium, Lemieux went to the Phoenix Coyotes for three seasons before being traded to the Dallas Stars in the middle of the 2002-03 season. The Stars would end up buying out his contract, and it seemed that Lemieux's career had come to an unceremonious end. While that would be the case for five years, he eventually made a comeback.

In November of 2008, Lemieux signed with the San Jose Sharks' AHL affiliate at the time, the Worcester Sharks. A month later, he was signed to an NHL deal and finished his career in the Bay Area. Following the conclusion of the 2008-09 season, he officially announced his retirement from professional hockey. 

After his retirement, Lemieux became a player agent and represented a number of players, including former Sharks such as Timo Meier and Fabian Zetterlund. 

Lemieux was in the spotlight once again just a few days ago, as he carried out the torch for the Montreal Canadiens prior to Game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Bruce Cassidy doesn't seem very happy with how the Vegas Golden Knights are handling his contract situation and his termination. Cassidy wants to coach, and while it sounds like the Golden Knights haven't said no entirely to the idea he'll take on a head coaching job elsewhere, it's the location they have an issue with. 

Enter the Edmonton Oilers. 

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During a recent interview with Spittin' Chiclets, Cassidy noted that the Golden Knights have told him that their issue is with where he'll coach if he takes another job. “They just decided they don’t want me working at certain places and I gotta figure out a way to allow me to do that.”

“They just decided they don’t want me working at certain places and I gotta figure out a way to allow me to do that”

Almost sounds like Cassidy wants the #LetsGoOilers coaching job and will figure out a way to make it happen pic.twitter.com/aP1hgbV2cF

— Vivek Kalia (@V_kalia95) May 28, 2026

The comments are intriguing. While he doesn't mention the Oilers specifically, one can logically assume that's a team the Golden Knights would take issue with. A division rival that has been competitive over the past two seasons, sending a quality coach to a rival is a concern. 

However, Cassidy doesn't sound like he's prepared to take this lying down. 

There's probably not much he can do and the NHL has reportedly said they can't step in, given that Vegas is paying him and within their legal rights to block a move while he's under contract. However, that they're stopping him from gaining meaningful employment after firing him seems to be the team taking a step beyond ruthless. 

Some are wondering if the Golden Knights will soften their stance after the playoffs. Others don't believe they will. Meanwhile, Cassidy is going to have to convince the team to let him walk. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.

MONTREAL (AP) — Four-time Stanley Cup champion Claude Lemieux has died at the age of 60, NHL Alumni Association says.

Claude Lemieux, the four-time Stanley Cup-winning winger who led the Devils to their first championship in 1995 and was one of the most-hated players in the NHL, has died, the NHL Alumni Association announced Thursday.

He was 60.

Lemieux died by suicide, according to TMZ, which reported he was found Thursday morning at the family’s furniture showroom. Per The Athletic, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office responded to a suicide attempt at the Lake Park warehouse, which has since been closed off for investigation.

The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Lemieux’s death to The Athletic, but was not able to release any records.

“The New Jersey Devils organization is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former Devil Claude Lemieux,” the team said in a statement. “A clutch player on the ice and greatly appreciated by Devils’ fans off it, Claude’s impact in bringing the first-ever Stanley Cup to New Jersey will forever be remembered as one of the paramount performances in team history. Widely respected throughout the NHL, both as a trusted agent and a valued colleague, Claude leaves behind a lasting legacy within our game that he gave so much to. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.”

The Quebec native, who won his first Cup with the Canadiens in 1986, was in attendance as Montreal hosted the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals Monday night, carrying the ceremonial torch before the game.

“Today is a dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community. I wish to express my most sincere and deepest condolences to Claude’s family and loved ones,” Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said in a statement. “A fierce competitor who rose to the occasion in big moments, Claude was a relentless, courageous, and tenacious player who led the team to the highest honors. He embodied the very essence of being a Montreal Canadiens player. Today we mourn the untimely passing of one of our champions. Our thoughts are with his family on this difficult day.”

A clutch scorer and one of hockey’s most reviled agitators, Lemieux won the Conn Smythe award as the playoff MVP after scoring 13 goals during the Devils’ Cup run in 1995, and after spending the next four-plus seasons with the Avalanche, he returned to New Jersey in a November 1999 trade and helped the Devils win another Cup that season.

Tu es chez toi ici, Claude Lemieux!

Welcome home, Claude Lemieux!#GoHabsGopic.twitter.com/fQvfhZSNUB

— x – Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) May 26, 2026

Lemieux, who became a player agent after he retired, scored 80 postseason goals, the ninth-most all-time.

Lemieux recorded 379 goals and 407 assists in 1,215 regular-season games, and had 158 points in 234 playoff matches.

Traded by the Devils to the Avalanche before the 1995-96 season, Lemieux won a Cup for the second straight season

His most memorable moment from that postseason, however, was his vicious hit on Kris Draper during Game 6 of the Western Conference finals

Lemieux drilled Draper from behind in front of the benches at the red line and Draper’s face smashed into the boards, causing a concussion, along with a broken jaw, nose and cheekbone.

After retiring from the NHL following the 2002-03 season, Lemieux mounted a comeback in 2008 at 43 years old, playing 18 games for a Sharks team that won the Presidents’ Trophy.

He made one playoff appearance for San Jose as it was upset by the eighth-seeded Ducks in the first round in six games.

One of Lemieux’s three sons, Brendan, played parts of seven seasons in the NHL, including 109 games with the Rangers from 2019-21.

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If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.

Follow Michael Whitaker On X

The NHL world is stunned today with the passing of four-time Stanley Cup winning forward Claude Lemieux, who was one of the central figures of the legendary rivalry between the Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche.

Lemieux passed away on Thursday at the age of 60 as confirmed by multiple sources. 

The NHL Alumni Association is devastated to share that Claude Lemieux has passed away at the age of 60.

Born in Buckingham, Quebec, Claude was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft and would make his NHL debut just a few months later… pic.twitter.com/iohlATU6qz

— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) May 28, 2026

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

Just days ago, Lemieux was in Montreal carrying the torch prior to their Game 3 Eastern Conference Final matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes. 

Claude Lemieux carried the torch for Montreal on Monday before Game 3…

Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/wpmkE47lyi

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 28, 2026

A four-time Stanley Cup winner, Lemieux helped the New Jersey Devils defeat the Red Wings in a shocking four-game sweep in the 1995 Stanley Cup Final, collecting his second Stanley Cup ring.

Moving on to the Avalanche, Lemieux delivered the infamous hit from behind to Red Wings forward Kris Draper in Game 6 of the 1996 Western Conference Final, effectively sparking what became one of the most iconic rivalries in sports. 

The infamous "Fight Night at the Joe" on March 26, 1997 remains one of the most memorable games in Red Wings history.

Lemieux would later win the Stanley Cup once again with the New Jersey Devils in 2000, and would go on to play for the Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars, and briefly, the San Jose Sharks. 

He would routinely make appearances with former rival Darren McCarty at joint autograph signings. Additionally, he became an NHLPA-certified player agent and included current Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider among his clients. 

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Over the last several years, the Philadelphia Flyers have developed a penchant for making opportunistic buy-low trades, especially for players who were formerly high draft picks.

As they head into the offseason in desperate need of more talent at center and an upgrade on defense, it's time for them to explore this habit once again.

On Thursday morning, The Athletic released its latest NHL trade board as we approach the beginning of June, and it's chock-full of interesting options for the Flyers.

For this article, though, I wanted to focus on Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright, who was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.

Wright, 22, ranks 11th on the new trade board and fourth amongst centers, behind only Vincent Trocheck, Mason McTavish, and Elias Pettersson.

Wright's the youngest of the bunch and coming off the most disappointing season; he scored just 12 goals, 15 assists, and 27 points in 74 games for the Kraken after having 44 points in 79 games last season.

Now entering a contract year, it's now or never for Wright in Seattle, and the Kraken, at this point, aren't obligated to give him that opportunity.

The Burlington, Ontario, native can and will be replaced by prospects Berkly Catton and Jake O'Brien at center behind Matty Beniers, and the Kraken have long been looking for winger upgrades to complement those players.

Of course, it goes almost without saying by now that the Flyers have loads of wingers to trade in a deal that makes sense for them, and this might be one of those deals.

Wright's trade value has never been lower, and that should be music to the Flyers' ears.

In the recent past, the Flyers have shown a demonstrable level of patience when it comes to finding the right trade for them while maintaining interest in the players they want.

This was the case with David Jiricek before he was traded to the Minnesota Wild, and discussions around Trevor Zegras took place over an extended period of time before the deal was finally done last summer.

The Flyers also picked up Owen Tippett, a former No. 10 overall draft pick, in 2022 in the Claude Giroux trade.

That precedent tells us that now is the Flyers' time to trade for Shane Wright.

It has been suggested in the past that the Flyers were not especially interested in Wright, but again, the opportunity is presenting itself to Philadelphia at a great discount.

Wright had 44 points as a 21-year-old in his first full NHL season a year ago, and on the Flyers, he would be playing alongside much more talented wingers, such as Tippett, Matvei Michkov, Porter Martone, and Travis Konecny.

It helps, too, that Wright is a right-shot center, one of the reasons the Flyers went out of their way to claim Luke Glendening off waivers a few months back.

Wright, unlike someone such as Jett Luchanko, is already a qualifiable, established NHL center, and with one year on his contract, the Flyers won't be tying themselves to a gaudy undertaking if things don't work out.

For a player who was once widely regarded as 2022's No. 1 overall prospect, this is a chance worth taking for the Flyers.

For every NHL team, including the eventual Stanley Cup winner, summer is a time of change. 

Naturally, the Cup-winning GM would love to stand in front of his team and make the Wolf of Wall Street speech: "We're not leaving! The show goes on!"

But the salary cap, free agency and maybe a retirement or two make that impossible. 

For a GM like Ottawa's Steve Staios, after watching his team get swept in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and score just five goals in the process, he might have been thinking a month ago that he has some serious work to do this summer to help his team close the gap.

However, the way the Carolina Hurricanes have played this spring may be giving him some new pause for thought.

What if the team that spanked the Senators in Round 1 goes on to just completely trample everyone else and win the Stanley Cup? Doesn't that have at least some effect on Staios’ view of his club and how much change is actually required?

As the 2026 playoffs march on, it's becoming crystal clear that the Hurricanes are a wagon. As of this writing, the Canes are 11-1 in these playoffs, getting timely scoring, solid goaltending and, most of all, they boast an absolutely suffocating defensive structure that the Senators, the Philadelphia Flyers and now the Montreal Canadiens had no answer for.

The Hurricanes have taken a 3-1 series lead on the Canadiens and dominated Game 4, outshooting Montreal 43-18 in a 4-0 victory. Every time cameras cut to Martin St. Louis, he looked completely exasperated, like a man with no answers.

It was a game the Canadiens had to have, and yet they finished the third period with just three shots on goal. 

Carolina is one win away from getting to the Cup final in just 13 games. The all-time NHL record (four rounds, all seven-game series) for fewest games needed to win a Cup is 18. That’s how good Carolina is.

Sure, no matter how you slice it, getting swept in round one was disappointing for the Sens organization and the fan base, but it's becoming obvious there's no shame in it.

The Senators were one of the best teams in the NHL in the second half of the season, but because they got off to a rough start thanks to poor goaltending, their punishment was getting pinned as the lowest seed and having to play the very best team right away.

Carolina isn't just good. They're hungry, they're filled with experience, and they're covered in playoff scars.

In 2019, they lost in the Conference Final. In 2020, they lost in the first round. In 2021 and 2022, they lost in the second round. In 2023, they lost in the Conference Final again. In 2024, the second round. In 2025, another loss in the conference final.

This is a group that is clearly being driven by the sting of all those past playoff failures, and all those hard lessons are now well-learned. They work hard, they sweat the small stuff, and they're doing whatever it takes to avoid reliving the heartbreaks of the past.

The Senators will have some of that motivation next season, too, though not to the same degree as 2026 Carolina.

The good news is that if the Hurricanes do win it all this year, there will be solace in that for the Sens. It sucks to be swept. It sucks less to be swept by the Cup champs. Meanwhile, the hunger fueling the 'Canes right now may become difficult to replicate next season, which could allow famished teams like Ottawa to close the gap.

There will be changes this summer because there always are. But the Senators may be closer to contention than they appeared to be a month ago.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News 

This article was first published at The Hockey News Ottawa Senators site. Read more at THN.com/Ottawa.

Former Senators Defenseman Enters Ottawa Sport Hall Of Fame Wednesday NightThe Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame will honour Jason York's 757-game career, more than half of it played with the Senators.