The first two rounds of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs have come and gone with only four teams remaining. In Round 2, the Carolina Hurricanes maintained their dominance with a second straight sweep. The Avalanche came up just short of a second consecutive sweep by winning in five games. Meanwhile, we finally got a Game 7, with the Montreal Canadiens knocking out the Buffalo Sabres. The four remaining teams are:
- Colorado Avalanche – Looking for their second Stanley Cup Final appearance and championship in the Jared Bednar era.
- Vegas Golden Knights – After a late-season coaching change, they are pursuing their second Stanley Cup in year 9 as a franchise.
- Carolina Hurricanes – Seeking their first Stanley Cup Final appearance under Rod Brind’Amour, who’s had them in the playoffs every year.
- Montreal Canadiens – Searching for their first trip to the Stanley Cup Final in a full season since 1992-93.
Join The Hockey Writers for our coverage of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and check back in for previews of the conference finals and the Stanley Cup Final.
2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Schedule & Bracket
- 2026 Stanley Cup Playoff Schedule (updated as games are scheduled)
- 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket
- 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2 Hub
- 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 1 Hub
2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Finals Articles
Eastern Conference
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Montreal Canadiens (Preview Show)
- 2025-26 Hurricanes Are Built for the Stanley Cup Final
- Hurricanes Have Multiple Conn Smythe Favorites After 2 Rounds
Western Conference
Colorado Avalanche vs. Vegas Golden Knights (Preview Show)
- 3 Things the Avalanche Must Avoid Against the Golden Knights
- 3 Keys for Avalanche Success Over the Golden Knights
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