NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs 2026: New Faces and Rivalries as Postseason Begins

53 articles · Updated · Daily Faceoff · Apr 18

The 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs begin Saturday, featuring fresh matchups and several new teams in the postseason field.
Carolina Hurricanes host the Ottawa Senators in the opening game, with notable series including Buffalo's return and a Battle of Pennsylvania.
With perennial contenders like the Rangers and Maple Leafs missing out, the playoffs promise new storylines and a guaranteed new Stanley Cup champion.

With the reigning champions out, which underrated team has the best chance to become the new Stanley Cup holder?

Which team's 'fatal flaw' — from bad goaltending to thin defense — will be exposed first in the playoffs?

Is Buffalo's 'Cinderella run' built on sustainable skill, or will their luck run out against the Bruins?

Can the Avalanche overcome their coach's absence and the historic Presidents' Trophy curse to win the Cup?

Will Nikita Kucherov's MVP-caliber season be enough to carry the injury-plagued Tampa Bay Lightning to victory?

With key players injured, can the star-studded Dallas Stars survive their intense showdown with the Minnesota Wild?