The Colorado Avalanche are entering an offseason filled with uncertainty regarding player contracts, particularly around Jonathan Drouin and Martin Necas. With limited cap space, they need to prioritize signing young defenseman Sam Malinski while managing expectations about potential roster changes. Some speculate that the organization isn't feeling the pressure to make drastic moves, despite outside perceptions suggesting otherwise. They value their roster depth, especially at center, and are assessing their needs cautiously.

Furthermore, the Avalanche traded for Ryan Lindgren, hinting at a potential interest in bolstering their defense. Despite rumors swirling, they seem confident in their current lineup, choosing to evaluate player performance before making significant changes.

In an electrifying Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, Leon Draisaitl led the Edmonton Oilers to a dramatic victory over the Florida Panthers, scoring in overtime to seal a 5-4 win after the Oilers trailed by three goals. This marks Draisaitl's fourth overtime goal in the playoffs, showcasing his clutch performance during high-pressure situations. The Oilers erased a 3-0 deficit in the first period, with contributions from Jake Walman and key saves by Calvin Pickard, who stepped in after Stuart Skinner's rough start.

With this win, Edmonton ties the series at 2-2, heading back to their home turf in Western Canada. The stakes are high as both teams have demonstrated resilience, setting the stage for an intense Game 5. Draisaitl's heroics, coupled with the Oilers' comeback, emphasize their determination to secure the championship they narrowly missed last year.

As the Stanley Cup Final intensifies, the series is tied as it heads to Florida for Games 3 and 4. Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid faces off against long-time friend and Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett, who has been a standout performer in the finals. Bennett's physical play and scoring have made him a pivotal player, contributing 13 goals and 6 assists in the playoffs, including a league-leading 12 goals on the road. Despite their friendship, McDavid remains focused on the task at hand.

Bennett's impact was evident in Game 2, where he scored a power-play goal but also faced controversy due to a penalty for goalie interference. He defended his actions, attributing the penalty to being pushed into Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner. With the series now shifting to Florida, both teams are poised for a fierce battle.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm has returned to full skate practice with his team after over a month out, boosting the Oilers' defensive lineup ahead of the Conference Final against the Dallas Stars. Ekholm expressed his gratitude for the work of the trainers who aided in his recovery, noting he feels better than expected about his return. As the series looms, his presence will be crucial for the Oilers' pursuit of the Cup.

Meanwhile, in injury news, Florida Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk is facing serious hurdles as he battles through injuries, with doubts swirling around his ability to play again this season. In other developments, Carolina Hurricanes' Jalen Chatfield is questionable for Game 1 against Washington due to an undisclosed injury, adding another layer of uncertainty.

The Washington Capitals concluded their 50th season with disappointment, falling in the second round of the playoffs to the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite this, captain Alex Ovechkin reflected positively on their achievements, citing his record-breaking season as the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer and the establishment of key players like Pierre-Luc Dubois and Logan Thompson as foundational for the future. Ovechkin expressed optimism about his return next season, emphasizing growth from the playoff experience.

Coach Spencer Carbery noted that many Capitals players were experiencing the intensity of the second playoff round for the first time, contrasting their inexperience with the seasoned Hurricanes. The Capitals' early postseason success gave way to struggles against Carolina's aggressive style, highlighting the need for further development from emerging players to capitalize on their playoff experience moving forward.