Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket: First Round Matchups, NHL Schedule & Standings
The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are underway with the first-round matchups set after the conclusion of the regular season. Several series are tightly contested, including Buffalo leading Boston 3-2 and Montreal leading Tampa Bay 3-2, while other teams like Carolina and Colorado have already advanced. The Colorado Avalanche are favored to win the 2026 Stanley Cup after securing the best regular-season record.
- ▪The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs began on April 18 following the end of the NHL regular season.
- ▪Buffalo leads Boston 3-2 and Montreal leads Tampa Bay 3-2 in ongoing first-round series.
- ▪Colorado, Minnesota, Carolina, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Utah have all won their first-round series or hold advantages.
- ▪The Florida Panthers won the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals by defeating Edmonton in six games.
- ▪Colorado is favored to win the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals according to BetMGM odds.
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