The 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs have narrowed to four clubs: the Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights. Carolina swept the first two rounds, while Colorado posted an 8‑1 record heading into the finals. Montreal survived two Game‑7 battles, and Vegas closed its run in six games.

In the East, Hurricanes’ defense has been stifling, allowing only ten goals in eight games, and goaltender Frederik Andersen leads the league with a 1.12 GAA and a .950 save percentage. Montreal’s offense, powered by Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, has earned a 25.0% power‑play conversion.

West‑side matchups pit Avalanche’s depth—17 scorers in nine games—against Golden Knights’ balanced attack and Mitch Marner’s 18‑point playoff surge. Colorado’s 8‑1 playoff run and 23‑13 five‑on‑five advantage set a high bar for Vegas.

Both conference finals promise drama, but Carolina’s rested roster and disciplined defense position the Hurricanes to push for a sixth Stanley Cup, while the Avalanche’s firepower may edge the Golden Knights in a hard‑fought battle.