NHL Hockey 3h Briefing

Last updated: April 18, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Stanley Cup Projections

Expert analysis projects the Florida Panthers winning the Eastern Conference in six games before ultimately claiming the Stanley Cup over the Edmonton Oilers in seven contests, according to detailed bracket predictions released by ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. The assessment suggests the Panthers will secure their first championship in franchise history by overcoming a challenging path that includes dispatching the New York Rangers in the Conference Finals.