2026 NHL Playoff Stanley Cup Predictions

Both Eastern and Western conferences would feature tight playoff races and surprising contenders. Let’s break down who’s most likely to make the postseason, who could surprise, and which team has the best chance to lift the Stanley Cup this spring.

Eastern Conference

  1. Tampa Bay → Pick to finish 1st overall in East (elite goal differential, dominant road form)
  2. Carolina → Pick to finish top-3 seed (balanced scoring, strong win streak)
  3. Detroit → Pick to secure playoff spot (consistent points pace, solid ROW)
  4. Montreal → Pick to hold playoff position (high scoring, strong road record)
  5. Buffalo → Pick to claim Wild Card spot (positive goal differential, steady form)
  6. Pittsburgh → Pick to stay in Wild Card race (experience + recent wins)
  7. NY Islanders → Bubble team – slight miss prediction (low scoring margin)
  8. Boston → Bubble team – late push possible (strong last 10 games)
  9. Toronto → Bubble team – inconsistent defense
  10. Philadelphia → Pick to miss playoffs (negative goal differential)
  11. New Jersey → Pick to miss playoffs (defensive struggles)
  12. Washington → Outside playoff picture (losing streak)
  13. Florida → Outside playoff picture (negative trend)
  14. Ottawa → Outside playoff picture (inconsistent results)
  15. Columbus → Outside playoff picture
  16. NY Rangers → Out of playoff contention

Western Conference

  1. Colorado → Pick to finish 1st in NHL (league-best goal differential)
  2. Dallas → Pick to finish top-3 in West (strong road record)
  3. Minnesota → Pick to secure playoff spot (consistent scoring)
  4. Vegas → Pick to finish top-4 seed (playoff-tested roster)
  5. Edmonton → Pick to qualify comfortably (offensive firepower)
  6. Utah → Pick to claim Wild Card spot (hot streak, strong defense)
  7. Anaheim → Pick to remain Wild Card contender (recent win surge)
  8. Seattle → Bubble team – slight miss prediction
  9. San Jose → Bubble team – defensive issues
  10. Los Angeles → Bubble team – OT points keep hope alive
  11. Nashville → Pick to miss playoffs
  12. Chicago → Out of playoff contention
  13. Calgary → Out of playoff contention
  14. Winnipeg → Out of playoff contention
  15. St. Louis → Out of playoff contention
  16. Vancouver → Out of playoff contention

Quick Summary Picks

  • Best Team Right Now: Colorado Avalanche
  • East Wild Card Favorites: Buffalo, Pittsburgh
  • West Wild Card Favorites: Utah, Anaheim
  • Biggest Bubble Risk: NY Islanders, Los Angeles

East Finals Prediction:

Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils – Experience vs. explosiveness. The Devils’ speed could overwhelm Carolina, but the Canes’ balance gives them the edge.

  • Pick: Carolina Hurricanes advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

West Finals Prediction:

Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars – A rematch of playoff powerhouses. The Stars will push hard, but Colorado’s depth and experience should prevail.

  • Pick: Colorado Avalanche advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

Stanley Cup Final Prediction:

Colorado Avalanche vs Carolina Hurricanes

Two well-balanced, veteran squads with elite goaltending and strong systems. Carolina’s structure and discipline will challenge Colorado, but the Avs’ firepower and playoff experience should make the difference.

2026 Stanley Cup Champion: Colorado Avalanche

They have the depth, leadership, and scoring to reclaim the Cup – and no one in the league matches their overall consistency right now.