2026 Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions: First-Round Series Analysis
Apr. 18, 2026 — The 2025-26 NHL regular season has ended. Sixteen teams advanced to the postseason bracket.
Filmogaz.com compiled expert picks published before the first-round series began. Twenty-four analysts submitted ballots for every opening matchup.
Consensus picks across the matchups
Experts showed clear favorites in several pairings. Consensus totals are based on 24 expert votes.
- Atlantic matchups: Buffalo emerged as the choice in one series, earning 18 of 24 votes.
- Another Atlantic series drew strong support for Tampa Bay, with 19 of 24 picks.
- Metropolitan: Carolina was the consensus choice, receiving 21 of 24 votes.
- Also in the Metro, Pittsburgh captured consensus support in a different matchup with 19 of 24 picks.
- Central: Colorado was unanimous, collecting all 24 expert selections.
- Pacific: Vegas earned 18 of 24 votes in one pairing.
- Edmonton commanded heavy backing in another Pacific matchup, with 22 of 24 votes.
- Overall Stanley Cup favorites: Minnesota led the “favorites” category, with 13 of 24 experts listing them among top contenders.
Stanley Cup championship predictions
Experts cast votes on who will hoist the Stanley Cup in June. The field of picks favored a handful of teams.
- Avalanche — 11 votes.
- Oilers — 4 votes.
- Lightning — 3 votes.
- Wild — 2 votes.
- Golden Knights — 1 vote.
- Stars — 1 vote.
- Sabres — 1 vote.
- Hurricanes — 1 vote.
Conn Smythe Trophy projections
Analysts also selected likely playoff MVPs. Their votes concentrated on a few elite players.
- Nathan MacKinnon — 11 votes.
- Connor McDavid — 3 votes.
- Nikita Kucherov — 2 votes.
- Single votes went to Kirill Kaprizov, Quinn Hughes, Mitch Marner, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Jake Oettinger, Leon Draisaitl, Rasmus Dahlin, and Andrei Svechnikov.
Why these picks matter
Expert ballots provide a snapshot of expectations heading into the playoffs. They shape narratives for fans and bettors.
Use this first-round series analysis to compare opinions with your own. The 2026 Stanley Cup playoff predictions highlight favorites and dark-horse options.
What to watch in round one
Watch goalies and special teams early. Those factors determined many expert selections.
Upsets remain possible despite consensus picks. Several series list clear favorites, yet playoff hockey often surprises.
Filmogaz.com will follow the opening round closely. Expect ongoing analysis as results unfold.
