NHL Network Radio Presents the 2026 NHL Fearless Playoff Predictions: Round One

Will the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs be a coronation for the Colorado Avalanche? If you go by the predictions below, the NHL regular season champions will capture the Stanley Cup for the first time since the Chicago Blackhawks turned the trick back in 2013.

It’s time once again for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 16 teams still standing. In two weeks’ time, half of those teams will be gone…and so on…and so on…

And once again, we gear up for the World Famous SiriusXM NHL Network Radio Stanley Cup Playoff Prediction Pool. This is the 20^th year for this esteemed prediction pool. Last June, there was a three-way tie for the top prize. Why isn’t there a tiebreaker? Because this is about getting the prediction as accurately as possible. We don’t mind ties. Makes for a nice birthday gift.

Does anybody really know for sure who’s going to hoist the big mug in late June? Are you brave (foolish) enough to put your money where your mouth is? We’re not, so we’ll just keep our predictions to this pool.

Remember, this is all for fun. So many of the opening round series are coin flips. Make that pretty much all of the opening round series are coin flips.

23 sets of predictions have been submitted, and the Colorado Avalanche are the overwhelming favourite to hoist the Stanley Cup this June.

15 of the 16 teams involved were picked to win an opening round series, all except the Los Angeles Kings. They face the Avalanche in the first round, and three people in this pool predicted Colorado would sweep the series.

We know one thing for sure. There will be a brand-new Stanley Cup Champion this June, as the defending Cup champs came up a wee bit short this season. Yeah, yeah…injuries, etc. Nobody is crying any tears for the Florida Panthers. They won the Cup the past two years and were also in the big dance back in 2023.  Time for someone else to have some fun. Besides, nobody would be all that surprised if the Cats were back in the thick of things this time next year. With a new goalie?

That’s for next season. This is all about the 16 teams still standing. The ultimate hockey tournament.  Complete with that orange drink they used to ladle out endlessly, and ice cream! Team pictures in the lobby.

In the mild West (well, except for the top three teams in the Central Division), it came down to the final few days of action to determine which team ended up first in the Pacific Division. Hello Vegas. Utah were seemingly locked in the first Western wildcard slot since puck drop back in October.

Yeah, the current playoff format isn’t all that popular with many fans, and the Minnesota Wild, but that’s what we’ve got, and there’s no indication there’s any appetite inside the league (outside of Minnesota) for change. So buckle up and enjoy the premier opening round Battleship Showdown between the Wild and the Dallas Stars. The winner moves on to potentially take on the league-leading Colorado Avalanche, and the loser gets to whine all summer long.

Sadly (apparently I’m the only one feeling that way), no fifth straight playoff meeting of the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers. Maybe they hook up later in the playoffs. You wanna bet on that?

In the East, first off…welcome back to the party, Buffalo Sabres. Took you long enough. But ya made it!  Well done. 14 years wandering in the snowy Western New York wilderness, but the Crossed Swords (sabres, whatever…heck, it’s actually Bisons, not Buffalos) are back after an impressive regular season. At (U.S.) Thanksgiving, they sat in last place in the Eastern Conference. Talk about a turnaround.

On that note, you’ve probably heard it repeated numerous times through the years that 75% of teams residing in a playoff spot by (U.S.) Thanksgiving ended up issuing playoff tickets. Wait, this season was going to be different!

Except it wasn’t.

Going by points (not win percentage), 5 of 8 Eastern teams accomplished the Turkey Takedown. 7 of 8 Western teams turned the same trick. By anybody’s math, that’s bang on 75%.

Again.

Remember that for next season.

Also, remember to listen to all the action on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio Channel 91 and on the SiriusXM app.

A quick glance at the last time the 16 current NHL playoff teams held a Stanley Cup championship parade:

Vegas Golden Knights – 2023
Colorado Avalanche – 2022
Tampa Bay Lightning – 2021
Pittsburgh Penguins – 2017
Los Angeles Kings – 2014         
Boston Bruins – 2013                                 
Anaheim Ducks – 2007                    
Carolina Hurricanes – 2006              
Dallas Stars – 1999                           
Montreal Canadiens – 1993             
Edmonton Oilers – 1990                  
Philadelphia Flyers – 1975               
Utah Mammoth – never*                      
Minnesota Wild – never*                     
Ottawa Senators – never                  
Buffalo Sabres – never                       

(*have yet to participate in a Stanley Cup Final)

Keep in mind this is not a bracket challenge. We will submit our predictions round-by-round.  Tune in to “Under Review” on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio Channel 91, every weekday at 11 am Eastern/8 am Pacific, for the latest Fearless Playoff Predictions updates.

2025 FINAL STANDINGS

Scott Laughlin 18 points (9 for 15 series correctly picked)
Mick Kern 18 points (9 for 15)
Ryan Paton 18 points (8 for 15)

Steve Kouleas 17 points (10 for 15)
Joe Thistel 17 points (9 for 15)
Martin Biron 17 points (9 for 15)

Dave McCarthy 16 points (9 for 15)
Victoria Matiash 16 points (9 for 15)

Jonathan Davis 16 points (8 for 15)

Dennis Bernstein 15 points (8 for 15)
Lucas Critelli 15 points (8 for 15)
Russ Cohen 15 points (8 for 15)

Anthony Stewart 13 points (8 for 15)
Bernie Corbett 13 points (8 for 15)

Jim Gordon 12 points (8 for 15)
Jake Hahn 12 points (8 for 15)

Gord Stellick 12 points (7 for 15)
Shane Malloy 12 points (7 for 15)
Tyler Madarasz 12 points (7 for 15)

Peter Berce 11 points (8 for 15)

Bruce Bolton 11 points (7 for 15)

Mikey Bonora 10 points (6 for 15)

ALL-TIME FEARLESS PLAYOFF PREDICTION CHAMPIONS
2025 Champions – Ryan Paton, Scott Laughlin (3), & Mick Kern (5)
2024 Champion – Shane Malloy
2023 Champion – Dennis Bernstein (2)
2022 Champion – Steve Kouleas
2021 Champion – Bruce Bolton (2)
2020 Champion – Dennis Bernstein
2019 Champion – Jim Gordon
2018 Champion – Joe Thistel (3)
2017 Champion – Peter Berce (2)
2016 Champion – Mike Lippa
2015 Champions – Peter Berce & Nick Alberga
2014 Champion – Joe Thistel (2)
2013 Champion – Bruce Bolton
2012 Champion – Mick Kern (4)
2011 Champion – Joe Thistel
2010 Champions – Scott Laughlin (2) & Shawn Lavigne
2009 Champions – Scott Laughlin & Mick Kern (3)
2008 Champion – Mick Kern (2)
2007 Champions – Mike Ross & Mick Kern

REMEMBER: This is not a bracket challenge.  We will make subsequent picks every round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

46 points is the maximum number of points one can achieve. Mike Lippa set the record with 36 points back in 2016.  Steve Kouleas went 15-for-16 for series correctly chosen back in 2022.

• 1 point for correctly choosing the winner of each 1^st round series
• 2 points for correctly choosing the winner of each 2^nd round series
• 2 points for correctly choosing the winner of each 3^rd round series
• 3 points for correctly choosing the 2026 Stanley Cup winner
• 2 points for correctly choosing the 2026 Conn Smythe winner
• 1 point for correctly choosing how long a series goes, but only if one also correctly picks that series’ winning team
• 3 points for correctly choosing the 2026 Stanley Cup winner before the playoffs begin (no points for choosing the other finalist)
• 3 points for correctly choosing the 2026 Conn Smythe winner before the playoffs begin

As for favoured teams this time around, here is the statistical breakdown (23 votes in all):

2026 Stanley Cup Champion:

Colorado Avalanche 19 votes
Carolina Hurricanes 2 votes
Dallas Stars 1 vote
Edmonton Oilers 1 vote

And Now…Our 2026 Fearless Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions

Scott Laughlin
Senators in 7
Penguins in 6
Sabres in 6
Lightning in 7
Avalanche in 5
Stars in 7
Golden Knights in 5
Oilers in 5
Stanley Cup Champion: Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe Winner: Cale Makar – Colorado Avalanche

Mick Kern
Hurricanes in 6
Flyers in 7
Sabres in 6
Lightning in 7
Avalanche in 6
Wild in 7
Golden Knights in 7
Oilers in 5
Stanley Cup: Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe: Cale Makar – Colorado Avalanche

Ryan Paton
Hurricanes in 6
Penguins in 6
Sabres in 6
Canadiens in 7
Avalanche in 5
Wild in 7
Mammoth in 7
Oilers in 6
Stanley Cup: Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe: Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche

Steve Kouleas
Senators in 7
Penguins in 6
Sabres in 6
Lightning in 6
Avalanche in 5
Wild in 7
Golden Knights in 7
Oilers in 6
Stanley Cup: Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe: Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche

Joe Thistel
Hurricanes in 6
Flyers in 6
Sabres in 6
Canadiens in 7
Avalanche in 5
Stars in 7
Golden Knights in 6
Oilers in 5
Stanley Cup: Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe: Nathan MacKinnnon – Colorado Avalanche

Martin Biron
Senators in 7
Penguins in 6
Sabres in 6
Canadiens in 7
Avalanche in 4
Stars in 7
Golden Knights in 6
Oilers in 5
Stanley Cup: Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe: Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche

Dave McCarthy
Hurricanes in 6
Penguins in 6
Sabres in 7
Lightning in 6
Avalanche in 4
Stars in 7
Mammoth in 7
Oilers in 5
Stanley Cup: Carolina Hurricanes
Conn Smythe: Seth Jarvis – Carolina Hurricanes

Victoria Matiash
Hurricanes in 7
Penguins in 6
Bruins in 7
Lightning in 6
Avalanche in 5
Wild in 7
Golden Knights in 7
Oilers in 6
Stanley Cup: Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe: Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche

Jonathan Davis
Senators in 6
Flyers in 6
Sabres in 6
Lightning in 7
Avalanche in 5
Stars in 6
Golden Knights in 6
Oilers in 5
Stanley Cup: Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe: Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche

Dennis Bernstein
Hurricanes in 5
Flyers in 6
Bruins in 6
Lightning in 7
Avalanche in 5
Stars in 7
Golden Knights in 6
Oilers in 6
Stanley Cup: Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe: Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche

Lucas Critelli
Hurricanes in 6
Penguins in 6
Sabres in 7
Canadiens in 7
Avalanche in 5
Wild in 7
Golden Knights in 6
Oilers in 6
Stanley Cup: Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe: Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche

Russ Cohen
Hurricanes in 5
Penguins in 6
Sabres in 5
Lightning in 7
Avalanche in 4
Wild in 6
Golden Knights in 7
Oilers in 5
Stanley Cup: Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe: Cale Makar – Colorado Avalanche

Anthony Stewart
Hurricanes in 6
Flyers in 7
Sabres in 6
Lightning in 6
Avalanche in 5
Wild in 6
Golden Knights in 5
Oilers in 5
Stanley Cup:  Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe: Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche

Bernie Corbett
Hurricanes in 5
Penguins in 6
Sabres in 6
Lightning in 7
Avalanche in 5
Wild in 7
Golden Knights in 6
Oilers in 6
Stanley Cup: Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe: Cale Makar – Colorado Avalanche

Jake Hahn
Hurricanes in 6
Flyers in 6
Sabres in 7
Lightning in 7
Avalanche in 5
Wild in 6
Golden Knights in 6
Oilers in 5
Stanley Cup: Carolina Hurricanes
Conn Smythe: Seth Jarvis – Carolina Hurricanes

Gord Stellick
Senators in 5
Penguins in 7
Sabres in 6
Lightning in 6
Avalanche in 7
Stars in 7
Mammoth in 6
Oilers in 5
Stanley Cup: Dallas Stars
Conn Smythe: Wyatt Johnston – Dallas Stars

Shane Malloy
Hurricanes in 6
Penguins in 6
Sabres in 7
Lightning in 6
Avalanche in 5
Stars in 7
Golden Knights in 7
Oilers in 7
Stanley Cup: Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe: Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche

Tyler Madarasz
Hurricanes in 5
Penguins in 7
Bruins in 6
Lightning in 7
Avalanche in 5
Wild in 7
Mammoth in 6
Oilers in 6
Stanley Cup: Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe: Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche

Peter Berce
Hurricanes in 6
Flyers in 7
Bruins in 6
Lightning in 7
Avalanche in 6
Wild in 6
Golden Knights in 5
Oilers in 6
Stanley Cup: Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe: Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche

Bruce Bolton
Hurricanes in 6
Penguins in 6
Sabres in 7
Lightning in 5
Avalanche in 5
Wild in 7
Mammoth in 6
Oilers in 5
Stanley Cup: Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe: Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche

Mikey Bonora
Hurricanes in 6
Flyers in 6
Bruins in 7
Canadiens in 7
Avalanche in 5
Stars in 7
Mammoth in 6
Oilers in 6
Stanley Cup: Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe: Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche

Linda Cohn
Senators in 7
Penguins in 5
Sabres in 6
Lightning in 6
Avalanche in 5
Wild in 6
Golden Knights in 6
Ducks in 6
Stanley Cup: Colorado Avalanche
Conn Smythe: Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche

Andrew Raycroft
Senators in 6
Penguins in 7
Bruins in 6
Lightning in 6
Avalanche in 5
Wild in 6
Golden Knights in 7
Oilers in 5
Stanley Cup Champion: Edmonton Oilers
Conn Smythe Winner: Connor McDavid – Edmonton Oilers