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
| Matchup | Game | Result | Date/Time | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (1) Carolina vs. (3) Montreal | Game 1 | Canadiens 6, Hurricanes 2 | - | - |
| Game 2 | Hurricanes 3, Canadiens 2 | - | - | |
| Game 3 | Hurricanes 3, Canadiens 2 | - | - | |
| Game 4 | Hurricanes 4, Canadiens 0 | - | - | |
| Game 5 | - | Friday, May 29, 8 p.m. | TNT | |
| Game 6 | - | Sunday, May 31, TBD | TNT | |
| Game 7 | - | Tuesday, June 2, 8 p.m. | TNT | |
| (1) Colorado vs. (1) Vegas | 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 | - | - |
Semifinals Results
| Series | Result |
|---|---|
| (1) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (3) Philadelphia Flyers | Hurricanes 4-0 |
| (1) Buffalo Sabres vs. (3) Montreal Canadiens | Canadiens 4-3 |
| (1) Colorado Avalanche vs. (3) Minnesota Wild | Avalanche 4-1 |
| (1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (3) Anaheim Ducks | Golden Knights 4-2 |
| (1) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (WC2) Ottawa Senators | Hurricanes 4-0 |
| (2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (3) Philadelphia Flyers | Flyers 4-2 |
| (1) Buffalo Sabres vs. (WC1) Boston Bruins | Sabres 4-2 |
| (2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (3) Montreal Canadiens | Canadiens 4-2 |