2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Final Predictions – The Hockey Writers – Previews and Predictions

The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are halfway through, and we are down to four teams with two series remaining. The writers at The Hockey Writers have cast their votes on both series, including the winner, the length of the series, and the 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, carrying an 8-0 record and allowing just 10 total goals.

As for the Montreal Canadiens, they have played six more games than the Hurricanes so far, with two Game 7 victories through two rounds.

The Hurricanes have done everything to prove that they should be the favorite in this series, but the Canadiens have been able to hang with two excellent teams and beat them out.

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 push through the Hurricanes for a Stanley Cup Final berth, it will likely take them to Game 6 or Game 7. They have played some tough hockey and have been able to win games by either shutting the opposition down or simply outscoring them. If they want a good chance, they will need to bring heavy offense to Raleigh for Game 1.

For the Hurricanes, they have to do exactly what they have been doing. They have been flawless in the playoffs. There is certainly a chance they are able to get the series over with rather quickly, but the Canadiens certainly won’t 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 Hurricanes’ second line, has been 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 these playoffs has been Jakub Dobes, who told Sportsnet’s Kyle Bukauskas that he is ready to play 40 more games if he had to. The rookie goaltender broke into the playoffs as a bit of a question mark, but through 14 games, he sits with a respectable .910 save percentage (SV%) and 2.52 goals-against average (GAA).

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

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

Colorado Avalanche vs. Vegas Golden Knights

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

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

The Golden Knights took down the Anaheim Ducks and Utah Mammoth, who are younger, less experienced teams than the Avalanche’s opponents. You can’t choose who you play, though, and the Golden Knights must be given credit for their great 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 almost certainly be a lengthy one. The Avalanche certainly have the ability to knock them down in five or six games, but the Golden Knights have a very talented team and could upset the Av’s.

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

Nathan MacKinnon has had an exceptional playoffs, posting seven goals and 13 points in nine games, which ranks third in points per game among remaining players. He has been everything the Avalanche needs from him, and while he hasn’t had to so far, he shows up in the big games. Martin Necas is thriving alongside MacKinnon, with 11 points of his own.

Cale Makar is set to miss Game 1 of this series, with that news coming out after the vote took place. He hasn’t been as productive as he could be, but he and Devon Toews have been lights-out for the Avalanche.

Mitch Marner certainly deserves his flowers here, too. While the MVP vote usually leans heavily toward the team voted to win, Marner could take this title even if the Golden Knights lose. With 18 points, Marner has a three-point lead on any other remaining player, with teammate Jack Eichel sitting in second.

Marner has been extraordinarily good for the Golden Knights and will have a serious case for the Conn Smythe Trophy if the Golden Knights make it to the Stanley Cup Final.