The Chase for the Cup Begins! | 2026 NHL Playoffs Preview
The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are finally here! In this full preview, we break down every first-round matchup, key storylines, and our bold predictions for who will hoist the Cup this spring. From the powerhouse Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes to potential upsets and Cinderella runs, we cover the entire bracket — including Eastern Conference favorites like the Hurricanes, Sabres, and Lightning, plus Western threats like the Stars and more. As New York hockey fans, we also dive into what this postseason means for the Rangers, Devils and Islanders rebuilding efforts, and why the 2026…
The skinny
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