The Hockey News Predicts The 2026 Stanley Cup Final Winner
Predicting the NHL playoffs correctly is no easy task.
The Vegas Golden Knights may have finished first in the Pacific Division, but they ranked 13th in the NHL standings heading into the playoffs. Despite that, they swept the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference final and made the final for the third time in nine years.
Carolina, meanwhile, hadn't made it to the Stanley Cup final since 2006. They not only made it this year but also dropped only one game in the process.
NHL Playoff Predictions 2026: Who Will Take Home The Stanley Cup?
The Stanley Cup final is here, and the Vegas Golden Knights face their toughest test yet in a dominant Carolina Hurricanes squad. Fresh off a near-perfect post-season run, the Hurricanes' stifling defense faces a battle-tested Golden Knights roster. Which team will win it all?
Ken Campbell: Carolina In Six Games
For so many reasons, not a single person outside the Greater Las Vegas area wants to see the Golden Knights win. They have become The Evil Empire. Taylor Hall will become the first and only player in NHL history to win a Hart and Conn Smythe and not be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Conn Smythe winner: Taylor Hall
David Alter: Vegas In Six Games
The Golden Knights have transformed their play under John Tortorella, and Mitch Marner has been a scoring weapon they've been able to unlock at the right time. If any team can get past Carolina's boring lockdown play, it's the 2023 champs.
Conn Smythe winner: Mitch Marner
Willie G. Ramirez: Vegas In Six Games
Scoring depth and goaltending will give the Knights their second title. Mitch Marner wins the Conn Smythe, though a dominating effort from Carter Hart could deservedly challenge for votes.
Conn Smythe winner: Mitch Marner
'I'm Building To Be Better': How Vegas' Mitch Marner Shook Off The Label He Had In Toronto
Mitch Marner has stepped up in these playoffs, but he's not done it all himself. He and his Golden Knights teammates discuss how they've thrived off each other.
Jonathan Tovell: Carolina In Five Games
The Golden Knights made this final tougher to predict after sweeping the Colorado Avalanche. If the Hurricanes give Vegas any breathing room, this series could end quickly in favor of the Knights. But Carolina's been so relentless in its aggressive defense that top players on opposing teams have been rattled through the first three rounds, and the squad's had enough rest to keep that going in the final.
Conn Smythe winner: Frederik Andersen
Andre Leal: Carolina In Six Games
The Hurricanes have shown what it means to be a true team. No skater has completely dominated on his own, and it's more of a collective effort, with Frederik Andersen impressively shutting the door.
Conn Smythe winner: Frederik Andersen
See more of The Hockey News on Google and save us as a preferred source. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
The Hockey News
This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 10:23 AM.