NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: May 30, 2026, 8:44 PM ET

Stanley Cup Finals Preview

The Carolina Hurricanes stand favored to hoist their first Stanley Cup since 2006, installed as the odds-on favorite after sweeping through the Eastern Conference. The Hurricanes' championship drought in Canada extends to 33 years after the Canadiens fell to Carolina, making the Golden Knights the slight underdogs despite their Western Conference dominance. Carolina's netminder Frederik Andersen has overcome tough lessons in conference finals rounds and health scares to position himself as an MVP candidate, while Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy expressed frustration that he cannot interview with other clubs after management declined reported requests by Edmonton and Los Angeles for his services. The series begins Tuesday on ABC, with analysts already dissecting the potential matchup between two teams that dominated their respective conferences.

Playoff Results

Vegas completes sweep over the Avalanche in the Western Conference finals, advancing to face the Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup Final after Cole Smith scored with 5:45 remaining in the third period to secure a 2