Deen’s Daily: Avalanche Face Must-Win Scenario; Hurricanes, Habs Game 2 Ends in OT; Will We See Cale Makar Tonight?

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May 22, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Ross Colton (20) and Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Rasmus Andersson (4) are separated by linesman Devin Berg (87) during the second period of game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Colorado Avalanche are playing their first true must-win game of the season. Will they respond to the terrible two games they had at home? Also, the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens went to overtime on Saturday night, and that series looks quite different from the one in the west.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — May 23.

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Colorado Hockey Now​

It’s safe to say that this is a must-win game for the Avalanche. It’s a shame that they’re even in this situation in the first place, but falling to Vegas on the road tonight would put their backs against the wall and history working completely against them. It’s already going to be a tough task to dig themselves out of this hole, but as Jared Bednar spoke about on Saturday, you can’t win two or more games in one night. They have to take Game 3 in order to set up an important Game 4.

If you haven’t already, check out my takeaways piece from Ball Arena on Friday.

Also Read:10 Takeaways: Avalanche Still Searching for Execution From MacKinnon, Others

Stanley Cup Playoffs Recap​

Game 2 Recap — Canadiens 2 at Hurricanes 3 OT (MTL leads 2-0)

The Montreal Canadiens had a chance to take complete control of the series coming home, similar to the Vegas Golden Knights. Instead, the Carolina Hurricanes rebounded with a big win in OT, evening the series at 1-1 as the series shifts to Bell Centre in Montreal.

READ MORE: Canadiens Highlights: Anderson Scores Twice in Loss

Tonight’s Schedule​

• Game 3: Colorado Avalanche at Vegas Golden Knights (6 pm MT on ESPN)

Around The NHL​

Philly Hockey Now: The Flyers are happy with what they have in Dan Vladar. They’re also rumored to have interest in someone like Devon Levi. With that in mind, what should they do with Sam Ersson?

New Jersey Hockey Now: When all is said and done this season for the Avalanche, should the Devils target one of Colorado’s forwards via trade?

San Jose Hockey Now: What are some realistic trade targets for the Sharks, if they actually moved the No. 2 pick?

Detroit Hockey Now: JVR had a solid season with the Red Wings this year. But it’s safe to say a youngster will fill his role in 2026-27.

The post Deen’s Daily: Avalanche Face Must-Win Scenario; Hurricanes, Habs Game 2 Ends in OT; Will We See Cale Makar Tonight? appeared first on Colorado Hockey Now.

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