One half of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final matchup is set. In one of the most shocking playoff results in recent memory, the Vegas Golden Knights swept the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Final with a 2-1 win in Game 4.
With Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar operating at less than 100 percent, the Avalanche offense was toothless in the face of a relentless defensive effort from the Golden Knights. Colorado scored just seven goals throughout the four games, and the Presidents' Trophy winner will fall short of the Stanley Cup for the 13th straight season.
The Golden Knights will play for their second Cup in nine years of existence.
Eastern Conference Final Update
Out East, there is still much to be determined. After falling behind 1-0 the Eastern Conference Final, the Carolina Hurricanes have rattled off two consecutive overtime wins to take a 2-1 edge into Game 4 against the Montreal Canadiens. The Bell Centre atmosphere has been electric throughout the playoffs -- as is usually the case -- and the Habs will have to use home ice to their advantage in order to even the series on Wednesday night.
Conference Finals Schedule
Western Conference Final
(1) Colorado Avalanche vs. (1) Vegas Golden Knights — Golden Knights advance, 4-0 sweep
- Game 1: Golden Knights 4, Avalanche 2
- Game 2: Golden Knights 3, Avalanche 1
- Game 3: Golden Knights 5, Avalanche 3
- Game 4: Golden Knights 2, Avalanche 1
Eastern Conference Final
(1) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (3) Montreal Canadiens — Hurricanes lead, 2-1
- Game 1: Canadiens 6, Hurricanes 2
- Game 2: Hurricanes 3, Canadiens 2 (OT)
- Game 3: Hurricanes 3, Canadiens 2 (OT)
- Game 4: Wednesday, May 27 | at MTL | 8 p.m. | TNT
- Game 5: Friday, May 29 | at CAR | 8 p.m. | TNT*
- Game 6: Sunday, May 31 | at MTL | TBD | TNT*
- Game 7: Tuesday, June 2 | at CAR | 8 p.m. | TNT