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 got another 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
- A Healthy Oilers Team Could Have Beaten the Golden Knights in the Playoffs
- Conn Smythe Leaders Entering the NHL’s Conference Finals
- NHL Playoffs 2nd Round Takeaways: Marner, Hurricanes & Avalanche Rolling, & More
Eastern Conference
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Montreal Canadiens (Preview Show)
- Canadiens Need More From Nick Suzuki in Must-Win Game 4
- Canadiens’ St. Louis Is Relying on Hutson Too Heavily
- Hurricanes’ Impressive Shot Suppression Continues to Lead to Success
- The Canadiens Have Found Their Perfect Playoff Warrior in Josh Anderson
- 3 Takeaways From Hurricanes’ 3-2 Game 3 Overtime Win Over Canadiens
- 2 Takeaways From Hurricanes’ 3-2 Game 2 Overtime Win Over Canadiens
- Canadiens Officially Hit Contender Status Despite Game 2 Loss
- 3 Takeaways From Hurricanes’ 6-2 Game 1 Loss to Canadiens
- Canadiens Still Need Arber Xhekaj Against the Hurricanes
- Hurricanes’ Sebastian Aho Has Chance to Rebound After Underwhelming Postseason Start
- 2026 Eastern Conference Final Preview: Canadiens & Hurricanes Similarities
- 3 Canadiens Lessons From Sabres Series
- 6 Myths the Canadiens Have Busted in the 2026 Playoffs
- 3 Keys for the Canadiens to Repeat Their Success Against the Hurricanes
- Hurricanes Seeking Breakthrough in Conference Final Against Canadiens
- Jakub Dobeš Is Writing the Next Great Canadiens Goaltending Story
- 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 Takeaways From Golden Knights’ Game 4 Win vs. Avalanche
- 3 Takeaways From the Avalanche’s 2-1 Game 4 Loss to the Golden Knights
- Golden Knights’ Playoff Gameday Preview: WCF Game 4 vs. Avalanche
- 3 Takeaways From the Avalanche’s 5-3 Game 3 Loss to the Golden Knights
- Golden Knights Playoff Gameday Preview: WCF Game 3 vs. Avalanche
- 3 Takeaways From Golden Knights’ 3-1 Game 2 Win vs. Avalanche
- Golden Knights’ Playoff Gameday Preview: WCF Game 2 at Avalanche
- 3 Takeaways from the Avalanche’s 4-2 Game 1 Loss to the Golden Knights
- Golden Knights’ Playoff Gameday Preview: WCF Game 1 at Avalanche
- 3 Things the Avalanche Must Avoid Against the Golden Knights
- 3 Keys for Avalanche Success Over the Golden Knights
Predictions
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