Game 1 of the SCF went to OT tied at three-all, and someone won that game. I bet you know who.

In other NHL news:

Gary Bettman and Bill Daly as well as NHLPA head Marty Walsh spoke to the media on the first day of the SCF as is tradition.

NHL, NHLPA progressing in talks on new Collective Bargaining Agreement | NHL.com
Sides ‘having really good discussions’ with current deal expiring Sept. 15, 2026, Commissioner says
NHL logoTom Gulitti
There had been some hope of an agreement being reached by the start of the Cup Final. That one wasn’t is not a reflection of the progress in negotiations.
“We’re having good ongoing conversations,” NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh said. “Right now, this time of year’s hard because you’re in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Stanley Cup. But it’s moving steady. It’s moving forward, and I feel good where we are, and we’ll see what happens.
“It gets complicated at certain times, any collective bargaining agreement, but it’s not where it was in the past here or what you see in national disputes between organized labor and workers and companies.”
Although neither side wanted to speculate on a timeline for a conclusion to CBA discussions, NHLPA assistant executive director Ron Hainsey said negotiations have been “constant” and did not rule out more talks taking place during the Cup Final.
“Well, we’re all in the same place at the same time, so there are multiple days in between these games,” Hainsey said. “We could find something for ourselves to do productive.”
NHL, NHLPA downplay concerns about state income tax
The state-tax issue is a non-issue, according to the NHL power brokers currently in the thick of hammering out a new collective bargaining agreement between the league’s owners and players.
Sportsnet.caLuke Fox

The PWHL signing period has begun and unprotected stars provided the drama.

Vancouver signed defenders Claire Thompson and Sophie Jaques and they haven't announced it at time of writing, but Hailey Salvian has them signing Sarah Nurse as well.

Seattle had not announced any signings, but ...

But they had a big one for their first official player:

The All-Star Game on Long Island has been moved to 2027, some other event will occur next season prior to the Olympics.

NHL to host all-star style event at Islanders’ UBS Arena in 2027
It appears that the UBS Arena is going to be a popular hockey destination in the coming years.
Sportsnet.caSportsnet Staff

In case you missed it:

Pittsburgh Penguins name Dan Muse 23rd head coach in franchise history | TSN
Dan Muse is taking the reins of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The team named the 42-year-old Canton, MA native its 23rd head coach in franchise history.
TSNThe Associated Press
Colorado Avalanche re-sign pending UFA Brock Nelson on three-year, $22.5 deal | TSN
The Colorado Avalanche have re-signed pending unrestricted free agent Brock Nelson on a three-year contract on Wednesday.
TSNTSN.ca Staff

That's your Thursday, have a good one.

From The Branches