My colleagues and I at Bleacher Report NHL recently made our predictions for the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The following are my selections. You can see the full staff list by following this link.  

Sabres vs Canadiens

The Sabres advanced to their first second-round series since 2007 by defeating the Boston Bruins in six games. Meanwhile, the Canadiens eliminated the Tampa Bay Lightning in a tightly contested series that went the full seven games.

Despite their overall lack of playoff experience, the Sabres’ speed and scoring punch shone through against the Bruins. They also got timely offense from defensemen Bowen Byram and Rasmus Dahlin. Alex Lyon provided solid goaltending after taking over as their starter after Game 2.

The Canadiens earned valuable lessons during their tough first-round series against the Lightning, including the importance of playing a physical, tight-checking style. Goalie Jakub Dobes was outstanding, while the Habs got scoring from their supporting cast when the Lightning’s checking stifled their top line.

Prediction: Canadiens in 6

Hurricanes vs Flyers

The Hurricanes reached this round by sweeping the Ottawa Senators, while the Flyers punched their ticket by upsetting the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games.

This season has been a significant step forward for the rebuilding Flyers. Dan Vladar has given them clutch goaltending. Rasmus Ristolainen has been a standout in his first-ever NHL postseason, while youngsters Porter Martone and Trevor Zegras have performed well despite their lack of playoff experience.

However, that won’t be enough to counter the Hurricanes’ experienced depth and their physical defensive game. The second line of Taylor Hall, Logan Stankoven, and Jackson Blake was lethal against the Senators, providing the Hurricanes with a much-needed extra measure of scoring punch.

Prediction: Hurricanes in 5

Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild

The Avalanche swept the Los Angeles Kings in the first round, while the Wild defeated the Dallas Stars in six games. This series could be the best of the second round, given how closely matched these clubs are.

Led by superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, the Avalanche pack plenty of scoring punch, but they struggled on the power play against the Kings. Their defensive play remained solid in that series, but they will face a stiffer challenge from the Wild’s more potent offense.

The Wild have the scorers in Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, and Quinn Hughes to match up well against the Avalanche. However, their penalty-killing percentage (60.0) was the second-worst in the opening round. If that persists against the Avalanche, it could prove costly.

Prediction: Avalanche in 7

Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks

The Golden Knights advanced to the second round by eliminating the Utah Mammoth in six games in their first-round series. Meanwhile, the Ducks upset the Edmonton Oilers in six games.

Despite a difficult regular season, the Golden Knights’ experience and two-way play shone through in their series against the Mammoth. Carter Hart’s goaltending remains a question mark, but veteran stars such as Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, and Mark Stone should continue to lead the way.

The Ducks’ speed and scoring ability were key factors in reaching this round. Playoff rookies Jackson LaCombe, Troy Terry, Leo Carlsson, and Cutter Gauthier played well against the Oilers. However, their 3.50 goals-against per game is the second-highest among teams in this round, and that could prove fatal if it doesn’t improve.

Prediction: Golden Knights in 6