Stanley Cup Final preview: Key players, goalie con...
Key takeaways
- The Carolina Hurricanes blew past their competition in the Eastern Conference, needing only 13 games to win three series.
- Here is intel on both teams, including goaltender confidence ratings, what we've learned so far about each team, key players and more.
- More: Full schedule Stanley Cup odds Conn Smythe Watch Top players in SCF Expert picks: CAR or VGK?
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Illustration by ESPNKristen Shilton Jun 2, 2026, 08:00 AM ETClose Kristen Shilton is a national NHL reporter for ESPN.Follow on XMultiple Authors Email Print Open Extended Reactions From a starting point of 16 teams, the 2026 Stanley Cup playoff field is now down to two.
The Carolina Hurricanes blew past their competition in the Eastern Conference, needing only 13 games to win three series. The Vegas Golden Knights needed 16 games to get past their three opponents, but that included a four-game sweep of the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche.
Who will win the Cup? Here is intel on both teams, including goaltender confidence ratings, what we've learned so far about each team, key players and more.