Tank's 2026 NHL Conference Finals Preview
Debora Robinson. Getty Images.Eastern Conference Finals
Giphy Images.- M1. Carolina Hurricanes vs. A3 Montreal Canadiens
- Hurricanes in Six
The biggest worry for the Hurricanes is whether they can get back up to speed after a 12-day layoff. No team has ever had this long a stretch between games in NHL postseason history. The long break is due to Carolina's dominance as they swept the Senators and Flyers, becoming the first team to start the postseason 8-0 since the NHL went to best-of-seven series in all four rounds. The Hurricanes have gotten great defense and goaltending, with Frederick Andersen posting a .950 save percentage with a 1.12 GAA. On offense, it has been Taylor Hall leading the way with 12 points as the Canes have outscored their opponents 24-10 thus far in the playoffs.
The Canadiens are a rising young team with a great core, hoping to end a 33-year drought, which feels like a lifetime for the franchise, with a record 24 Stanley Cup Championships. Montreal has had a magical ride, needing seven games to beat the Lightning and the Sabres. Clutch goals and great saves have propelled the Habs to the Eastern Conference Finals, with Lane Huston scoring 14 points, and Alex Newhook scoring a team-high seven goals, including the game-winner in both seventh games. In goal, Jakub Dobes has been stellar, often keeping his team in the game with a .910 save percentage.
The Hurricanes are the better team, and with a recent history of letdowns in the Conference Final, they must feel that this is their best chance to win the Stanley Cup. After a slow start, I expect the Hurricanes to find their footing and win the series in six games.
Western Conference Finals
Giphy Images.- C1. Colorado Avalanche vs. P1. Vegas Golden Knights
- Avalanche in Six
If any team is capable of ending the President's Trophy curse, it is the Colorado Avalanche. The best team in the NHL all season, they have continued to dominate in the postseason, sweeping the Kings before taking down the Wild in five games. When Colorado is playing their best, they are impossible to beat them. Nathan MacKinnon has been unstoppable with seven goals and six assists as the Avalanche has shown the ability to dominate and come from behind, rallying from down 3-0 to beat Minnesota in the clincher.
The Vegas Golden Knights won the Pacific with a late surge and have continued their strong play under coach John Tortorella. Mitch Mariner has been magical with a team-best 18 points and seven goals as Vegas knocked off the Mammonth in six games, doing the same to the Ducks in the second round. Carter Hart has seemingly solved the Knights' goaltending worries, with a .917 save percentage in the playoffs.
This is the time for the Avalanche to shine. They have been focused on winning the West all season and will not be denied. The one concern is Cale Makar's health, who is still unable to practice after suffering an injury in Game 5 against the Wild. However, they have enough scorers to overcome, especially with Scott Wedgewood proving he can be a big-time goalie. The games will be close, with the Avalanche winning in six games.
