ESPN’s senior NHL writer Greg Wyshynski rolls out a concise refresher for lapsed fans, spotlighting the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs and key storylines. The piece outlines the top teams, standout players, and pivotal matchups, easing readers into the postseason after a year of dramatic turns.

The Florida Panthers, once back‑to‑back champions, miss the playoffs after a 15‑point miss, thanks to injuries to Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk. Their absence shifts the balance, making the Colorado Avalanche, who finished first with a franchise‑best .738 points percentage, the new favorite.

Colorado’s roster, bolstered by acquisitions of Nicolas Roy and Nazem Kadri, leads the league in goals per game and boasts the best penalty kill. Their playoff fate hinges on overcoming the Presidents’ Trophy curse, a historic 39‑team curse that has seen only eight winners.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers, powered by a two‑year extension for Connor McDavid, face a tough first‑round opponent in the Anaheim Ducks. The series promises drama, as the Oilers aim to break a streak of Finals losses to the Panthers, while the Ducks return to the playoffs after a long drought.