2026 NHL Conference Finals Preview
Eastern Conference Final
Montreal Canadiens vs Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes remain undefeated in the playoffs, becoming the first team since the 1985 Edmonton Oilers to start the postseason 8-0. That Oilers team went on to capture the Stanley Cup, a path the Hurricanes are now hoping to follow. The Hurricanes have leaned on their depth throughout this playoff run, with all but two players on the roster recording at least one point. Entering the postseason, Carolina’s biggest question mark was its goaltending, but those concerns quickly disappeared as the Hurricanes have posted a .950 save percentage through eight games. Carolina’s only real concern heading into the Eastern Conference Final is the lengthy layoff. The Hurricanes will have gone 11 days between games, and teams often struggle to regain their rhythm after such an extended break.
The Montreal Canadiens may be the youngest team remaining in the playoff field, but they’re also the most battle-tested. The Habs have played more games than any other team still standing and have leaned on their veteran leadership throughout the postseason. It’s been impressive to see such a young, inexperienced group consistently find ways to win in long series. Like the Hurricanes, Montreal has also relied heavily on its depth players to deliver timely offense in must-win situations. The Canadiens have their work cut out for them against a Hurricanes team that has yet to lose a game this postseason. Montreal will need its young goaltender to come up with timely saves if it hopes to keep pace with Carolina’s high-powered attack. The Habs have also struggled on home ice despite playing in one of the most electric atmospheres in the NHL. If they want a chance to win this series, they’ll need to find ways to capitalize at the Bell Centre, especially against a Carolina team that has been dominant on home ice.
Prediction: The Carolina Hurricanes’ winning streak is likely to come to an end in this series, as the Canadiens have the offensive firepower to break through and push this matchup deep. Montreal has continued to gain valuable playoff experience throughout its run and has consistently shown an ability to respond after tough losses. Carolina may not be at its sharpest early in the series, as the extended layoff could create some rust in the opening games. However, the Hurricanes are expected to hit their stride in the middle of the series and eventually take advantage of a Canadiens team that has played nearly twice as many games this postseason. The Hurricanes’ defensive structure will play a major role in the outcome of the series, as Carolina has consistently worn opponents down over the course of games. Montreal will eventually fold with Carolina advancing to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2006.
Carolina defeats the Canadiens in 6 games
Western Conference Final
Vegas Golden Knights vs Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche have looked nearly unstoppable throughout the playoffs, losing just one game through the first two rounds. Many believed Colorado faced one of the toughest paths to the Stanley Cup Final, yet the Avalanche have made it look surprisingly easy. Heading into the postseason, Colorado was viewed as the most complete team on paper, and that has translated onto the ice. While their star players have delivered as expected, the Avalanche’s depth has been one of the biggest factors behind their playoff success, allowing them to consistently overwhelm opponents in all areas of the game. The Avalanche have shown they can win games in a variety of ways throughout this postseason, but moving forward they may need to play with more patience and allow their speed and physical style to wear opponents down over the course of a series. Colorado’s two biggest concerns entering this round are injuries and goaltending. The health of Cale Makar is especially important, as he plays a massive role in both the team’s structure and overall success. In that sense, the extended layoff could actually benefit the Avalanche, giving Makar additional time to recover. If Colorado hopes to win the Stanley Cup, it will need its star defenseman at full strength.
The Vegas Golden Knights have surprised many people across the league by defeating two young, fast, and physical teams during their playoff run. The offseason addition of Mitch Marner has certainly paid off, as he has made a major impact in nearly every game this postseason. Most of this roster has been here before, and that experience will be critical as the veterans look to guide the younger players through a difficult matchup against the Avalanche. Colorado plays a style similar to the Knights’ previous two opponents, but with talent on both sides, this series has all the ingredients to go the distance. The biggest question surrounding the Knights entering the postseason was their goaltending, but Carter Hart appears to have found his form after an outstanding performance against the Ducks. He’ll need to maintain that level of play and continue giving his team a chance against Colorado’s explosive offensive attack.
Prediction: As mentioned previously, the Golden Knights are well tested after facing two opponents with similar offensive styles to the Avalanche. This series represents the toughest challenge either team has encountered so far, though Colorado appears well-positioned for another deep playoff run toward the Stanley Cup Final. It should be a physical and mentally demanding matchup, and the winner could emerge significantly worn down heading into the next round. I believe Colorado will win this series and break through Carter Hart early causing his confidence to go away.
Colorado defeats the Golden Knights in 6 games
