Stanley Cup Playoffs 2026: Bracket, schedule and scores as Golden Knights advance to Stanley Cup

AAS Editorial Team

Stanley Cup Playoffs 2026: Bracket, schedule and scores as Golden Knights advance to Stanley Cup

The 2026 Stanley Cup Final matchup is taking shape after dramatic conference finals action. The Vegas Golden Knights have secured their spot in the Finals after a stunning sweep of the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Final.

Western Conference Final: Golden Knights Complete Sweep

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: Hurricanes Lead Canadiens 2-1

Out East, the Carolina Hurricanes have rallied from a 1-0 series deficit with 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, and the Habs will need to use home ice to their advantage to even the series.

Conference Finals Schedule and Results

MatchupGameResultDate/TimeNetwork
(1) Carolina vs. (3) MontrealGame 1Canadiens 6, Hurricanes 2--
Game 2Hurricanes 3, Canadiens 2--
Game 3Hurricanes 3, Canadiens 2--
Game 4Hurricanes 4, Canadiens 0--
Game 5-Friday, May 29, 8 p.m.TNT
Game 6-Sunday, May 31, TBDTNT
Game 7-Tuesday, June 2, 8 p.m.TNT
(1) Colorado vs. (1) VegasGame 1Golden Knights 4, Avalanche 2--
Game 2Golden Knights 3, Avalanche 1--
Game 3Golden Knights 5, Avalanche 3--
Game 4Golden Knights 2, Avalanche 1--

Semifinals Results

SeriesResult
(1) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (3) Philadelphia FlyersHurricanes 4-0
(1) Buffalo Sabres vs. (3) Montreal CanadiensCanadiens 4-3
(1) Colorado Avalanche vs. (3) Minnesota WildAvalanche 4-1
(1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (3) Anaheim DucksGolden Knights 4-2
(1) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (WC2) Ottawa SenatorsHurricanes 4-0
(2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (3) Philadelphia FlyersFlyers 4-2
(1) Buffalo Sabres vs. (WC1) Boston BruinsSabres 4-2
(2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (3) Montreal Canadiens Canadiens 4-2

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