NHL Playoff Predictions 2026: Who Will Advance to the Eastern Conference Final?

The 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs have reached the second round in the Eastern Conference, with just four teams remaining in contention for a spot in the conference final. The Carolina Hurricanes hold a 1-0 series lead over the Philadelphia Flyers after a dominant 3-0 shutout in Game 1, while the Buffalo Sabres prepare to host the Montreal Canadiens in their opener on May 6.[1][2] These matchups pit top seeds against resilient underdogs, setting the stage for intense battles. Predictions here draw from first-round performances, season trends and key player matchups, though playoffs always deliver surprises.

Both series highlight goaltending prowess and offensive firepower. The Hurricanes swept the Ottawa Senators, while the Flyers upset the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the Atlantic, the Sabres toppled the Boston Bruins, and the Canadiens stunned the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 7. Let’s break down each matchup.

Carolina Hurricanes vs Philadelphia Flyers

The Hurricanes enter as heavy favorites, fresh off a flawless first-round sweep of the Senators where they never trailed. Frederik Andersen has been lights-out, posting a .961 save percentage, 0.90 goals-against average and two shutouts through five games including Game 1 against Philly.[3] Their consistency shone throughout the regular season, trailing only the Colorado Avalanche in the overall standings despite a mid-season dip. Offensively, they’ve averaged 2.80 goals per game—modest but effective against lesser foes.

Carolina’s penalty kill at 80.5 percent was a regular-season Achilles’ heel, but playoff adjustments have neutralized it so far. Coach Rod Brind’Amour’s structured system limits high-danger chances, as evidenced by Ottawa’s inability to lead. The Canes dominated the season series 3-1, giving them familiarity with the Flyers’ style.

Philadelphia, however, brings underdog energy after knocking off the Penguins in six games. Their defense ties for second in playoff goals-against at 2.00, trailing only Carolina. Goalie Dan Vladar has kept them competitive, and their young skaters could rattle Andersen if they draw penalties.

• Key Flyers advantages:
  • Tied for second-best goals-against average (2.00) in playoffs.
  • Less pressure as underdogs, mirroring their first-round upset.
  • Potential to exploit Canes’ power play weaknesses if Brandon Bussi sees time.

Still, Philly must solve Andersen’s wall. If they get under his skin or force Brind’Amour to pull him, a upset isn’t impossible—but Carolina’s depth and home-ice edge make it unlikely. Most experts favor the Hurricanes, with 13 of 15 NHL.com writers picking them.[4]

Prediction: Hurricanes in five games. Carolina’s playoff form suggests they’ll close this out efficiently on the road to the conference final.

Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens

Buffalo’s first-round win over the Bruins showcased their post-firing surge under new management, averaging 3.33 goals per game against a veteran-laden Boston squad. They’ve been a different team since mid-December, positioning themselves for a deep run. Yet, their power play faltered badly at 4.2 percent (1-for-24), the worst among first-round teams—a potential Achilles’ heel against Montreal’s stout defense.

The Sabres face a Canadiens team that defied odds by ousting the Lightning in seven, despite averaging just 2.29 goals-for—the lowest among surviving teams. Young goalie Jakub Dobes carried them with a .923 save percentage against Tampa’s stars, including a memorable Game 7 chirp: “I know you guys are nervous.”[3] At 24 with limited experience, Dobes echoes Habs legends who rose in playoffs.

Montreal’s youth is still defining itself, leaning heavily on Dobes amid low scoring. History favors magical runs for such teams, and Dobes could match or exceed his Bolts performance against Buffalo’s attack. The Canadiens’ resilience in Game 7 suggests momentum.

• Sabres strengths:

  Aspect	Stat
  Goals-for vs. Bruins	3.33 per game
  Post-Dec turnaround	Deep run potential
  First-round opponent	Veteran Bruins

• Canadiens counters:

  Aspect	Stat
  Dobes SV% vs. TBL	.923
  Game 7 win	Over high-end talent
  Youth magic	Historical precedent

Buffalo’s even-strength play should test Dobes, but special teams could decide it. Philly’s pressure-free vibe aided their upset; Montreal might channel similar underdog fire. A hunch favors the Habs’ goaltending stealing the show.

Prediction: Canadiens in six games. This series goes the distance, but Montreal’s timely heroism advances them.

These predictions hinge on execution amid injuries and hot streaks—check the full bracket for updates.[5] A Hurricanes-Habs ECF would blend Carolina’s machine-like efficiency with Montreal’s flair, promising fireworks. Whichever duo emerges, they’ll carry Eastern momentum into the Stanley Cup final chase, building legacies in a wide-open postseason. Fans, who do you have advancing?