2026 NHL Postseason Conference Finals Preview

Eastern Conference

M1. Carolina Hurricanes vs. A3. Montreal Canadiens 

Second Round Series: The Hurricanes swept their way into the conference finals, finishing the Flyers in four games and enduring a nearly two-week wait. The Canadiens went the distance for the second round in a row, beating the Buffalo Sabres in overtime in Game 7 to advance.

Season Series: The Canadiens swept all three games against the Hurricanes this season, including two games in Raleigh. They met twice in March, both ending in multi-goal victories for the Habs behind stellar goaltending from Jakub Dobes.

Postseason History: The Hurricanes and the Canadiens have met two times in the postseason since the Canes relocated to Raleigh. The Canes won both series in six games, beating them in the Conference Semifinals in 2002 and the Conference Quarterfinals in 2006 as part of their Stanley Cup run.

Prediction: I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't concerned about the Canes inability to beat the Canadiens during the regular season. As dominant as they've been during the opening two rounds, it's unnerving that they're going into this series with that hanging over them. That being said, the Canadiens have played a lot more hockey than the Canes, and rest at this point in the season can be a very beneficial thing. While Montreal has needed to be locked in for longer, it means they've needed to exert much more. They've only had two days between games, while the Canes have had almost two weeks. Montreal's top line needs to be better at five-one-five, while Carolina's needs to be better, period. This series could come down to goaltending. Frederik Andersen has been great so far, though his track record in conference finals is spotty. Jakub Dobes has played a ton, and he's never been this far in the postseason before. I think the Hurricanes are the better team, and I have no reason to change my pick now. Hurricanes in 6

Western Conference

C1. Colorado Avalanche vs. P1. Vegas Golden Knights

Second Round Series: The Avalanche made it look easier than we thought it would be against the Wild, winning the series in five games. The Golden Knights had a tougher time against the Ducks, but their experience proved valuable during a six-game series victory.

Season Series: The Avalanche won two of the three games in the season series, with both victories coming in Denver before the end of 2025. The Golden Knights won the most recent encounter at the end of the season, a 3-2 overtime win at home on April 11.

Postseason History: The Avalanche and the Golden Knights have met once before in the postseason, clashing in the second round of the 2021 playoffs. Vegas won the series in six games, winning four straight contests after Colorado jumped out to a 2-0 series lead with a pair of wins at home.

Prediction: Not having Cale Makar for Game 1 is going to be tough, but the Colorado Avalanche are such a wagon that they could be fine. Vegas came out of a weak Pacific Division this season, and while they're more than worthy to be here, I don't know if they have the depth throughout their lineup to match Colorado's. The Avalanche have proven to be much too strong for their opponents, and they made their series with the Wild look almost effortless at points. I think Vegas can give them a tough series, especially with how well Mitch Marner and Jack Eichel have played through two rounds. However, I wouldn't be the slightest bit surprised if this series ended quickly. Avalanche in 5

Predictions for the Rest

Stanley Cup Final

Colorado over Carolina in 6 games