Final Predictions for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs – Hockey Writers – Preview and Prediction

The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are midway through, and we’re down to four teams with two series remaining. The writers at The Hockey Writers cast their votes for both series, including the winner, series-length, and most valuable player (MVP).

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Montreal Canadiens Predictions

Carolina Hurricanes: 66.6% of votes
Montreal Canadiens: 33.4% of votes

The Carolina Hurricanes easily took care of the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers in their first two rounds, holding an 8-0 record and allowing just 10 goals.

As for the Montreal Canadiens, they have played six games over the Hurricanes thus far, with a Game 7 victory in two rounds.

The Hurricanes did everything to show that they should be the favorite in this series, but the Canadiens were able to hang with two top teams and beat them.

CAR in 5 games: 33.3%
CAR in 6 games: 27.8%
MTL in 6/7 games: 16.7% each
CAR in 4 games: 5.6%

If the Canadiens are going to get past the Hurricanes to get to the Stanley Cup Final, it will probably take them to Game 6 or Game 7. They play tough hockey and are able to win games by shutting out the opposition or simply outplaying them. If they want a good chance, they will need to bring a strong offense to Raleigh in Game 1.

For these Hurricanes, they must do exactly what they have been doing. They were flawless in the play-offs. There is certainly a chance that they will be able to end the series quickly, but the Canadiens will not be an easy opponent.

Series MVP
Logan Stankoven (27.8%)
Jakub Dobes (22.2%)
Alex Newhook (11.1%)
7 other players received one vote

Logan Stankoven, along with the second line of the Hurricanes, did something unbelievable to start the playoffs. With seven goals in eight games, Stankoven has been one of the biggest stories of the playoffs.

Another incredible story in the playoffs has been Jakub Dobes, who told Sportsnet’s Kyle Bukauskas that he is ready to play another 40 games if necessary. The rookie goaltender broke through the playoffs as a bit of a question mark, but through 14 games, he’s sitting with a respectable .910 save percentage (SV%) and 2.52 goals against average (GAA).

Despite the great run, Dobes ranked fourth among all pitchers remaining in the playoffs in SV% and GAA. He seems to get better as the series goes on, with his two Game 7 doubles being two of his best.

Speaking of great Game 7 performances, Alex Newhook comes in third in this vote. With two Game 7 overtime goals, Newhook made the difference between making the Eastern Conference Final and being out of the first or second round.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Vegas Golden Knights

Colorado Avalanche: 88.9% votes
Vegas Golden Knights: 11.1% votes.

Oddsmakers would probably give the Vegas Golden Knights better odds than this, but the Colorado Avalanche is certainly the favorite in this series. After knocking off the Minnesota Wild, a great team, in five games is amazing, especially following a four game sweep of the Los Angeles Kings.

The Golden Knights took down the Anaheim Ducks and Utah Mammoth, who are smaller, less experienced teams than the Avalanche opponents. You can’t pick who you play, though, and the Golden Knights have to be given credit for their good play through two rounds.

COL in 5 games: 50%
COL in 6 games: 38.9%
VGK in 7 games: 11.1%

If the Golden Knights win this series, it will likely be a long one. The Avalanche certainly have the ability to go down in five or six games, but the Golden Knights have a very talented team and could upset the Av.

Series MVP
Nathan MacKinnon (50%)
Martin Necas (22.2%)
Cale Makar (16.7%)
Mitch Marner (11.1%)

Nathan MacKinnon had an exceptional playoffs, scoring seven goals and 13 points in nine games, ranking third in points per game among the remaining players. He’s been everything the Avalanche need him to be, and while he hasn’t had to, he’s showing up in big games. Martin Necas thrives next to MacKinnon, with 11 points of his own.

Cale Makar will miss Game 1 of the series, with that news coming after the polls. He hasn’t been as productive as he could be, but he and Devon Toews have been shutting down the Avalanche.

Mitch Marner certainly deserves his laurels here, too. Although the MVP vote is often heavily dependent on which team is voted to win, Marner can take the title even if the Golden Knights lose. With 18 points, Marner has a three-point lead over any other player remaining, with teammate Jack Eichel sitting in second place.

Marner has been insanely good for the Golden Knights and will have a serious case for the Conn Smythe Trophy if the Golden Knights reach the Stanley Cup Finals.