NHL Network Radio presents the 2026 NHL Fearless Playoff Predictions: Round Three – Conference Finals

After six months of regular season action and an additional month of playoff action, the chase for the Stanley Cup is down to four teams.

The Western Conference Final features two teams that have recently won the Stanley Cup.  The Colorado Avalanche (2022) versus the Vegas Golden Knights (2023).

The Eastern Conference Final features two teams that haven’t won the Stanley Cup in years.  The Carolina Hurricanes won their only Cup (so far) in 2006, while the Montreal Canadiens haven’t hoisted the Silver Mug in a third of a century (1993).

As for our predictions, the Hurricanes and Avalanche are runaway favourites to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.  But there were a few votes for Montreal to take out Carolina…and there were a couple of votes for the Canes to cane the Habs in four straight.

And yes, somebody picked Vegas to beat the powerhouse Avalanche.

Let the Games Begin.

POINT STANDINGS AFTER TWO ROUNDS:

Anthony Stewart        
10-for-12   18 points

Jake Hahn                     
10-for-12   18 points

Bernie Corbett             
9-for-12     16 points

Lucas Critelli                 
9-for-12     15 points

Joe Thistel                     
8-for-12     15 points

Martin Biron                 
7-for-12     15 points

Jonathan Davis            
7-for-12     14 points

Russ Cohen                   
8-for-12     13 points

Linda Cohn                   
7-for-12     13 points

Dennis Bernstein         
7-for-12     13 points

Steve Kouleas              
7-for-12     12 points

Mikey Bonora              
7-for-12     12 points

Mick Kern                     
8-for-12     11 points

Bruce Bolton                
7-for-12     11 points

Ryan Paton                   
6-for-12     11 points

Shane Malloy               
7-for-12     10 points

Victoria Matiash          
6-for-12     9 points

Andrew Raycroft         
5-for-12     9 points

Gord Stellick                
5-for-12     9 points

Peter Berce                   
6-for-12     8 points

Scott Laughlin              
5-for-12     8 points

Dave McCarthy            
5-for-12     8 points

Tyler Madarasz            
5-for-12     7 points
                    

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

Keep in mind this is not a bracket challenge.  We have been submitting 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.

ALL-TIME FEARLESS PLAYOFF PREDICTION CHAMPIONS
2026 Champion ????
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

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

And Now…Our 2026 Fearless Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions

For the Eastern and Western Conference Finals:

Anthony Stewart
18 Points (10-for-12)
Hurricanes in 6
Avalanche in 5

Jake Hahn
18 Points (10-for-12)
Hurricanes in 5
Avalanche in 6

Bernie Corbett
16 Points (9-for-12)
Hurricanes in 6
Avalanche in 6

Lucas Critelli
15 Points (9-for-12)
Hurricanes in 5
Avalanche in 6

Joe Thistel
15 Points (8-for-12)
Canadiens in 6
Golden Knights in 6

Martin Biron
15 Points (7-for-12)
Hurricanes in 6
Avalanche in 5

Jonathan Davis
14 Points 7(-for-12)
Canadiens in 6
Avalanche in 6

Russ Cohen
13 Points (8-for-12)
Hurricanes in 4
Avalanche in 6

Linda Cohn
13 Points (7-for-12)
Hurricanes in 6
Avalanche in 6

Dennis Bernstein
13 Points (7-for-12)
Hurricanes in 6
Avalanche in 6

Steve Kouleas
12 Points (7-for-12)
Hurricanes in 6
Avalanche in 6

Mikey Bonora
12 Points (7-for-12)
Hurricanes in 5
Avalanche in 5

Mick Kern
11 Points (8-for-12)
Hurricanes in 6
Avalanche in 7

Bruce Bolton
11 Points (7-for-12)
Hurricanes in 5
Avalanche in 5

Ryan Paton
11 Points (6-for-12)
Hurricanes in 6
Avalanche in 5

Victoria Matiash
9 Points (6-for-12)
Hurricanes in 6
Avalanche in 7

Shane Malloy
10 Points (7-for-12)
Hurricanes in 6
Avalanche in 6

Andrew Raycroft
9 Points (5-for-12)
Hurricanes in 5
Avalanche in 7

Gord Stellick
9 Points (5-for-12)
Hurricanes in 6
Avalanche in 5

Peter Berce
8 Points (6-for-12)
Canadiens in 6
Avalanche in 5

Scott Laughlin
8 Points (5-for-12)
Hurricanes in 6
Avalanche in 7

Dave McCarthy
8 Points (5-for-12)
Hurricanes in 5
Avalanche in 5

Tyler Madarasz
7 Points (5-for-12)
Hurricanes in 4
Avalanche in 6