The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are here with 16 teams vying to capture Lord Stanley’s Cup. With the Florida Panthers not qualifying for postseason play, we won’t see a three-peat. Plus, with the Toronto Maple Leafs missing out, their Stanley Cup drought will extend to at least 59 years. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks broke extended playoff droughts, and the Utah Mammoth qualified for the postseason for the first time since moving to Utah. Who will capture hockey’s ultimate prize?
Join The Hockey Writers as we preview the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and check back in for previews of Round 2, the conference finals, and the Stanley Cup Final.
2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Schedule & Bracket
2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 1 Articles
Eastern Conference
Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins (Preview Show)
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens (Preview Show)
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Ottawa Senators (Preview Show)
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers (Preview Show)
Western Conference
Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings (Preview Show)
Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild (Preview Show)
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Utah Mammoth (Preview Show)
Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks (Preview Show)
2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 1 Predictions
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