The National Hockey league has announced the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Finals schedule scenarios. The Eastern Conference Final will feature the Metropolitan Division regular-season champion Carolina Hurricanes against the Montreal Canadiens and will begin either Thursday, May 21, in Raleigh. The Western Conference Final will feature the President’s Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche against the Vegas Golden Knights and will begin Wednesday, May 20, in Denver.

Stanley Cup Schedule 2026 – Conference Finals

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Date Time (ET) Montreal [A3] vs. Carolina [M1] Networks – Carolina leads 3-1
Thursday, May 21 8 p.m. Montreal at Carolina TNT, truTV, HBO MAX, SN, CBC, TVAS
Saturday, May 23 7 p.m. Montreal at Carolina TNT, truTV, HBO MAX, SN, CBC, TVAS
Monday, May 25 8 p.m. Carolina at Montreal SN, CBC, TVAS, TNT, truTV, HBO MAX
Wednesday, May 27 8 p.m. Carolina at Montreal SN, CBC, TVAS, TNT, truTV, HBO MAX
*Friday, May 29 8 p.m. Montreal at Carolina TNT, truTV, HBO MAX, SN, CBC, TVAS
*Sunday, May 31 TBD Carolina at Montreal SN, TVAS, TNT, truTV, HBO MAX
*Tuesday, June 2 8 p.m. Montreal at Carolina TNT, truTV, HBO MAX, SN, CBC, TVAS

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Vegas [P1] vs. Colorado [C1] Networks – Las Vegas wins 4-0

if necessary
TBD – To Be Determined

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS MAY 26, 2026 – VEGAS SWEEPS PRESIDENTS’ TROPHY WINNERS & CLAIMS STANLEY CUP FINAL BERTH

The Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche averaged an NHL-best 3.63 goals per game during the regular season and entered the Western Conference Final with a League-best 4.11 goals per game, but the Golden Knights stifled the club through four games (1.75 G/GP) to complete the sweep and secure their third Stanley Cup Final appearance in nine NHL seasons. With chants of ‘We Want the Cup’ echoing throughout T-Mobile Arena, Vegas became the seventh team in League history to sweep the No. 1 seed in a best-of-seven series, and the second to do so to advance to the Final (also BOS: 1970 SF vs. CHI).

• The Golden Knights became the 29th team in NHL history to sweep a best-of-seven series in the Conference Finals/Semifinals and first since the Panthers (2023 vs. CAR). Among the 20 previous teams to do so in the expansion era (since 1968), half went on to capture the Stanley Cup: 2022 Avalanche, 2010 Blackhawks, 2009 Penguins, 1992 Penguins, 1984 Oilers, 1982 Islanders, 1981 Islanders, 1978 Canadiens, 1972 Bruins and 1970 Bruins.
• The club’s string of success dates back to Game 5 of the Second Round against the Ducks. The Golden Knights became the eighth team in NHL history to enter the Stanley Cup Final on a win streak of six or more games alongside the 1992 Blackhawks (11 GP), 1969 Blues (8 GP), 2019 Bruins (7 GP), 1992 Penguins (7 GP), 1978 Canadiens (7 GP), 1972 Bruins (7 GP) and 1970 Bruins (6 GP).
• Vegas became the fifth team to advance to the Stanley Cup Final after recording fewer than 40 wins during a regular season of 82 or more games. The others: Carolina (35 in 2002), Buffalo (37 in 1999), Detroit (38 in 1997) and Los Angeles (39 in 1993).
• Vegas now has its sights on its second Stanley Cup championship, following 2023. The Golden Knights can become the fourth franchise in the NHL’s expansion era to win multiple championships prior to their 10th campaign, alongside the Oilers (4), Islanders (2) and Flyers (2).

WHAT HAPPENED IN VEGAS. . .

• Cole Smith, appearing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second time in his career (5 GP in 2024), has found a knack of scoring in series-clinching games for the Golden Knights in 2026 (1-0—1 in Game 6 of R1). He became the sixth undrafted player since 2000 to score a series-clinching goal to help his team advance to the Stanley Cup Final. The others: Yanni Gourde (2021 w/ TBL), Chris Kunitz (2017 w/ PIT), Joel Ward (2016 w/ SJS), Dustin Penner (2012 w/ LAK) and Adam Oates (2003 w/ ANA).
• A pair of longtime Golden Knights skaters, captain Mark Stone, who was acquired from the Senators in 2019, and Shea Theodore, one of the franchise’s original ‘Golden Misfits,’ teamed up on the opening goal in Game 4. Stone notched his eighth goal in a potential clinching game for Vegas, the second most in franchise history behind only Jonathan Marchessault (9), while Theodore (5-16—21 in 29 GP) passed Kris Letang (7-13—20 in 34 GP) for the most points among active defensemen in potential series-clinching contests.
• John Tortorella became the third coach in NHL history to lead his team to the Stanley Cup Final after taking over in their final 10 games of the season. The others: Roger Neilson (VAN in 1982; 4-0 L vs. NYI) and Larry Robinson (NJD in 2000; 4-2 W vs DAL).
• Tortorella is also returning to the Stanley Cup Final for the second time in his career following a seven-game victory with the Lightning in 2004. He became the second head coach in NHL history to go 20 seasons between appearances in the League’s championship series, alongside Paul Maurice (20 seasons; 2002 & 2023).
• The Golden Knights now await the winner of the Canadiens and Hurricanes, with either matchup marking the 67th unique Stanley Cup Final in NHL history. A Vegas-Carolina matchup would be the second championship series between two division winners in the past 15 postseasons (since 2012), following the Golden Knights and Capitals in 2018. Vegas and Montreal would meet in the postseason for the second time after the Canadiens skated to a six-game victory in the Stanley Cup Semifinals – where half the games were decided in overtime.

ANOTHER OVERTIME OUTING ON DECK IN EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL?

The Hurricanes and Canadiens are right back into Conference Finals action when the puck drops for Game 4 after the clubs required more than 60 minutes in each of the past two contests. Only three series in the round before the Final have featured three consecutive overtime games: 2024 Eastern Conference Final (3 GP; NYR vs. FLA), 2001 Western Conference Final (3 GP; STL vs. COL) and 1933 Semifinals (3 GP; TOR vs. BOS).

• Lane Hutson has found the score sheet in all but one home game during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs for the Canadiens – who look to even a series 2-2 after trailing 2-1 for the first time since the 2010 Conference Semifinals – en route to a 3-12—15 (17 GP) total. Only seven defensemen in NHL history have collected more assists in a single postseason at age 22 or younger: Miro Heiskanen (20 in 2020), Ray Bourque (15 in 1983), Al MacInnis (15 in 1986), Quinn Hughes (14 in 2020), Paul Coffey (14 in 1984), Paul Reinhart (14 in 1981) and Denis Potvin (14 in 1976).
• The Hurricanes own an advantage in the Conference Finals for the first time since 2006 and have won 10 of their past 11 series when owning a 2-1 lead in any matchup (only loss: 2022 R2 vs. NYR). Carolina, which can become the seventh team in Stanley Cup Playoffs history to win each of its first six or more road games of a postseason, has done so thanks in part to the services of Taylor Hall (2-6—8 in 5 GP). He needs two points to tie Ron Francis (4-6—10 in 2002) and Cory Stillman (4-6—10 in 2006) for the most on the road in one playoff year in franchise history.

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS MAY 25, 2026 – SVECHNIKOV STEERS HURRICANES TO SECOND STRAIGHT OVERTIME VICTORY

Andrei Svechnikov scored the overtime winner as Carolina became the first team to earn consecutive victories versus Montreal this postseason and took a 2-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Final with a 3-2 OT win.. The Hurricanes need two more wins to reach the Stanley Cup Final for the third time in franchise history (also 2006 & 2002).

• Carolina won consecutive playoff games where each contest needed overtime for the sixth time in franchise history and for the third time during the Conference Finals or later. Each of the previous two instances at this stage in a postseason were during the 2002 playoffs (Game 6 of CF – Game 1 of SCF & Game 2-3 of CF).
• The Hurricanes have earned seven consecutive victories in postseason contests requiring overtime dating to Game 5 of the 2025 First Round. Carolina tied its longest winning streak in franchise history set from Game 5 of the 2021 First Round to Game 5 of the 2023 Second Round.
• Monday’s edition of #NHLStats: Live Updates featured more notes from another electric atmosphere at Bell Centre. Some highlights included Claude Lemieux carrying the pre-game torch into the venue; appearances by the Marie-Philip Poulin and the 2026 Walter Cup-champion Montreal Victoire, Los Angeles Clippers combo guard Bennedict Mathurin and his sister Jennifer, singer-songwriters Charlotte Cardin and Patrick Watson as well as Formula One driver Lance Stroll; plus a flyover by the Snowbirds prior to puck drop.

ONE-MONTH COUNTDOWN TO NHL DRAFT

The 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft is now just one month away with Round 1 set to take place on Friday, June 26 (7 p.m. ET.) at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. Rounds 2‑7 will be held on Saturday, June 27 (11 a.m.). The Maple Leafs enter the draft with the No. 1 overall selection for the first time in 10 years – the last was also at an NHL Draft held in Buffalo – with Penn State forward Gavin McKenna and Frolunda forward Ivar Stenberg ranked as the No. 1 prospect among North America and international skaters, respectively.

• McKenna completed his freshman season at Penn State in which he finished fifth in NCAA scoring with 15-36—51 in 35 GP and can join a very small group of players born in Canada’s Yukon Territory to be selected in the NHL Draft or appear in an NHL game. At 18 years of age, McKenna’s trophy case already includes Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2025-26), a WHL championship (2025-26), WHL and CHL Player of the Year (2024-25) as well as WHL and CHL Rookie of the Year (2023-24).
• Stenberg spent the 2025-26 season skating for Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League – the top men’s league in the country – where the 18-year-old forward led all SHL teenagers with 11-22—33 in 43 GP ahead of already drafted skaters Anton Frondell (No. 3 in 2025 by CHI), Eddie Genborg (No. 44 in 2025 by DET) and Victor Eklund (No. 16 in 2025 by NYI). On the international stage, Stenberg helped Team Sweden win gold at the 2026 World Junior Championship where he tied for the team lead and fifth in tournament scoring with 4-6—10 in 7 GP including a goal and two assists in the gold medal game. He is currently representing his country at the 2026 World Championship.

COLORADO CAN FORCE GAME 5, VEGAS VIES FOR THIRD stanley cup FINAL BERTH

Nazem Kadri and the Avalanche aim to cut their Western Conference Final series deficit to 3-1 against Mark Stone and the Golden Knights, who look to sweep the Presidents’ Trophy winners and advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the third time since joining the NHL during the 2017-18 season (also 2023 & 2018).

• Kadri can help the Avalanche become the fifth team in League history to win a playoff round after facing a 3-0 series deficit following the Kings against the Sharks during the 2014 First Round, Flyers versus the Bruins in the 2010 Conference Semifinals, Islanders against the Penguins during the 1975 Quarterfinals and Maple Leafs versus the Red Wings in the 1942 Stanley Cup Final. Brent Burns and Tomas Hertl skated with San Jose during the last instance, with the former aiming to become the first player in NHL history to win a postseason round after facing a 3-0 series deficit following a loss in one where his team held a 3-0 lead.
• Stone had 1-1—2 in his return to the lineup during Vegas’ three-goal comeback win Sunday and can help the Golden Knights become the seventh team in League history to sweep a best-of-seven series versus the NHL’s No. 1 seed. They would join the Lightning against the Panthers during the 2022 Second Round, Blue Jackets versus the Lightning in the 2019 First Round, Devils against the Red Wings during the 1995 Stanley Cup Final, Oilers versus the Flames in the 1988 Division Finals, Bruins against the Black Hawks during the 1970 Semifinals and Maple Leafs versus the Red Wings in the 1949 Stanley Cup Final.

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS MAY 24, 2026 – GOLDEN KNIGHTS STUN AVALANCHE WITH THREE-GOAL RALLY, CLAIM 3-0 SERIES LEAD

Gabriel Landeskog scored the first of three straight Avalanche goals as his club took a 3-0 lead into the first intermission but Mark Stone (1-1—2) – in the lineup for the first time since Game 3 of the Second Round – scored the first of five straight Golden Knights goals as Vegas stole Game 3 from the Presidents’ Trophy winners and moved within one victory of their third Stanley Cup Final appearance in nine NHL seasons.

• The Golden Knights, who captured the franchise’s first three-goal comeback win in the postseason, became the seventh team in Stanley Cup Playoffs history to register a three-goal comeback victory against the No. 1-seeded club. The others: Blue Jackets (Game 1 of 2019 R1 at TBL), Jets (Game 3 of 2018 R2 vs. NSH), Flyers (Game 3 of 1987 SCF vs. EDM), Flames (Game 2 of 1984 DF at EDM), Canadiens (Game 2 of 1971 QF at BOS) and Maple Leafs (Game 3 of 1936 SCF vs. DET).
• Vegas became the 10th team in Stanley Cup Playoffs history to take a 3-0 series lead against the No. 1 seed and third in the past eight postseasons after Tampa Bay achieved the feat versus Florida during the 2022 Second Round and Columbus did so against Tampa Bay in the 2019 First Round.

The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are the fifth straight postseason to feature multiple three-goal comeback victories (also COL in Game 5 of R2). The only other streak of that length in NHL history occurred from 1982 to 1988 (7 years).

DEJA VU: TORTORELLA ALL TOO FAMILIAR WITH SUNDAY’S RESULT

The Golden Knights improved to 18-4-1 under head coach John Tortorella, who joined the club with eight games remaining in their regular-season schedule. Tortorella has now been the head coach for each of the NHL’s past two times a team has rallied from a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Presidents’ Trophy winners in a playoff game after he watched his Blue Jackets accomplish the feat in Game 1 of the 2019 First Round against the 62-win Lightning en route to a series sweep.

• Tortorella, who earned his third career three-goal comeback win in the playoffs, became the first coach in NHL history to lead a best-of-seven series 3-0 against the No. 1-seeded team multiple times.

MORE FROM T-MOBILE ARENA

• The Golden Knights sit one win shy of their third Stanley Cup Final appearance, which would tie the Flyers and Blues for the second most by a franchise through their first nine seasons in the NHL’s expansion era, behind the Oilers (5).
• The Golden Knights recorded their sixth season with 50 or more wins (regular season and playoffs combined) – the second most by a franchise through their first nine seasons, behind only the Oilers (7).
• Mitch Marner (0-2—2) boosted his totals in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs to 7-14—21 (15 GP). He is one of five players in the past 30 years with 14 or more assists through his first 15 career playoff games with a franchise, alongside David Pastrnak (15 w/ BOS), Reilly Smith (14 w/ VGK), Sidney Crosby (14 w/ PIT) and Wayne Gretzky (14 w/ STL).
• Brett Howden (10-2—12) capped the evening with his 10th goal of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and tied teammate Pavel Dorofeyev (10-4—14) for the League lead. It marked the fifth time since 2014 that a pair of teammates were the League’s first two players to hit a double-digit goal total in a single postseason, following Zach Hyman and Leon Draisaitl (EDM in 2024), Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl (SJS in 2019), Jake Guentzel and Evgeni Malkin (PIT in 2017) as well as Marian Gaborik and Jeff Carter (LAK in 2014).

CANADIENS, HURRICANES BATTLE FOR 2-1 LEAD AS SERIES SHIFTS TO BELL CENTRE

The Canadiens welcome the Hurricanes to Bell Centre for a pivotal Game 3, with a 2-1 series lead on the line, in the Eastern Conference Final after Nikolaj Ehlers and Josh Anderson sparked the offense for their respective clubs during an overtime thriller in Game 2. Teams that take a 2-1 lead in a best-of seven series during the round before the Stanley Cup Final hold an all-time series record of 92-28 (.767).

• Eric Robinson (2-2—4 in 10 GP) is an undrafted, 10-season NHL veteran and has become an unexpected source of offense for the Hurricanes, who have their sights on a fifth straight road win to start the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Robinson has found the back of the net in each of the first two games of the Eastern Conference Final and can become the third player in franchise history to start a series with a three-game goal streak, following Logan Stankoven (4 GP in 2026 R1) and Pat Verbeek (3 GP in 1991 DSF). The 30-year-old can also become the fourth active player to score each of his first three or more goals of a postseason in the Conference Finals/Semifinals alongside Jason Robertson (4 in 2025), Cole Caufield (4 in 2021) and Tyler Seguin (3 in 2011).
• Phillip Danault (2-8—10 in 16 GP), with a reputation for being a go-to, two-way center, has adapted the script in the Eastern Conference Final with the Canadiens and has collected a series-best four points (1-3—4). When the puck drops for Game 3, he can join P.K. Subban (3 GP in 2014 R2) as the second Canadiens player in the past 45 years to record multiple points in each of his team’s first three games of a series.

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE

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STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS MAY 23, 2026 – HURRICANES WITHSTAND CANADIENS RALLY TO CLAIM GAME 2 WITH OVERTIME WIN

Josh Anderson (2-0—2) became the fifth different player in Canadiens history with two game-tying goals in a playoff game but Nikolaj Ehlers (2-0—2) scored his second of the contest within the opening four minutes of overtime to help the Hurricanes draw even in the Eastern Conference Final. Carolina, which earned its first victory against Montreal since March 28, 2025 (0-4-0; regular season & playoffs combined), also captured its first home win in any Conference Finals series since 2006 (Game 7 vs. BUF).

• Overtime has been crucial to the Hurricanes’ success not only in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs but in their franchise history as well (4-0 in 2026 & 36-23, .610 all-time). They are the fourth team in as many postseasons to win each of their first four overtime games in a playoff year following the 2025 Oilers (4-0), 2024 Rangers (4-0) and 2023 Panthers (7-0). Florida, Anaheim (7 GP in 2003) and San Jose (5 GP in 2011) are the only clubs in NHL history to extend its streak beyond four contests.
• Overall, Carolina captured its sixth straight win in a playoff game that required overtime dating to Game 5 of the 2025 First Round – the second-longest stretch in franchise history (7 wins from 2021-23). Its current run is tied for the second longest among all franchises in the past 20 years, behind only Florida (11 GP from 2021 – 2024).
• Thirteen of the 14 series this postseason have featured at least one overtime game. Should any contest in the Western Conference Final or Stanley Cup Final require more than 60 minutes, the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs can be the sixth in NHL history to feature 14 or more series with at least one overtime game alongside 2020 (16), 2013 (15), 2023 (14), 2021 (14) and 2014 (14).
• Ehlers, an Aalborg, Denmark native, scored his second career overtime goal in the Stanley Cup Playoffs (also Game 3 of 2021 R1) and did so with his father in the Lenovo Center stands. He joined Mikkel Boedker (2) as the second Danish player in NHL history with multiple overtime goals in his postseason career.

Colorado can join rarefied air by rallying from 2-0 series deficit vs. Vegas

Martin Necas and the Avalanche aim to cut their series deficit in half against Pavel Dorofeyev and the Golden Knights as Colorado looks to become the ninth team in NHL history to win a final-four round after losing each of the first two games.

• Vegas can become the 10th club in League history to take a 3-0 series lead against the NHL’s No. 1 seed and third over the past eight postseasons after Tampa Bay achieved the feat versus Florida during the 2022 Second Round and Columbus did so against Tampa Bay in the 2019 First Round. The 2022 Lightning’s roster featured Avalanche forward Ross Colton and the 2019 Blue Jackets’ bench boss was Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella.
• Colorado can become the first team in more than 81 years to win a final-four round after losing each of its first two games at home and second in League history following Detroit, which achieved the feat versus Boston during the 1945 Semifinals. The Avalanche can win any playoff round after facing a 2-0 series deficit for the fourth time in franchise history (also 1999 CSF, 1987 DSF & 1982 DF).
• Steve Wochy played with the Red Wings during the 1945 Semifinals and spoke about Detroit’s rally in a 2024 NHL Productions film about his life. Wochy was born in Fort William, Ont., which is now known as Thunder Bay – hometown of Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood and Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal.

STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE

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