Athletic Staff Picks Avalanche for 2026 Stanley Cup as Hurricanes Win East Final

2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 20

Colorado remained The Athletic staff’s clear Stanley Cup favorite after Round 2, with writers calling the Avalanche too deep and too dominant for Vegas unless goaltending collapses.
Carolina was also backed to beat Montreal in the East, with staff citing the Hurricanes’ control of play, extra rest and the Canadiens’ heavy workload despite concern over Frederik Andersen’s conference-final record.
Nathan MacKinnon emerged as the leading Conn Smythe pick, with staff arguing Colorado’s deadline additions and star power have made the Avalanche the team to beat.
Vegas’ upset path was framed around elite special teams and strong goaltending, while Montreal’s chances were tied to stealing games despite being outplayed and riding Jakub Dobeš’ form.
The predictions come with the NHL’s final four set: Colorado opens the Western Conference final on Wednesday, and Carolina starts the Eastern final on Thursday.

Can the Avalanche's 'super team' maintain its dominance against Vegas without star defenseman Cale Makar in the lineup?

Will Carolina’s unprecedented 11-day rest prove a fatal weakness against the battle-tested Montreal Canadiens?

Can rookie Jakub Dobeš's historic goaltending steal a series from Frederik Andersen and the undefeated Carolina Hurricanes?