2026 Stanley Cup Playoff Quarterfinal Roundtable

The New York Rangers have missed the playoffs for the second year in a row but that doesn't mean the content comes to a halt. The team here at Blueshirt Banter will keep the conversations going and the content coming throughout the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

To kick things off, let's talk about the round one match-ups.

Eastern Conference

(1) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (WC2) Ottawa Senators

Eric Kohn: Joe and I have talked on the podcast about how the Carolina Hurricanes play a floor-raising style of hockey. This is in part out of necessity, because it's proven not to be a destination for top-level talent (hello, Mikko Rantanen). This is why it was not surprise to me that K'Andre Miller had a much improved season over last year with the Rangers. The structure Carolina plays will do that. It does not, however, seem to be a system that translates well to playoff hockey. Add to that that the only team with more questions in net than the Hurricanes are the Edmonton Oilers. All that being said, I don't see Carolina making their annual early exit until the second round. Hurricanes in five.

Chip23: Oooh, two teams I can't fucking stand. In theory, Carolina should mop the floor with the Senators, but as long as the Hurricanes keep running out the likes of Brandon Bussi and Frederik Andersen, I won't take them seriously. That being said, Ottawa is a talented tire fire and I could see Rod Brind'amour's suppression defense just frustrating the crap out of the Brady Bunch. I'll take Carolina, but hope I'm wrong. An early exit for the Canes could spell the merciful end of Brind'amour's tenure in Carolina. Hey, you think the coaches will join the handshake line after the series? Hurricanes in six.

Chris Feldman: This is going to be a very interesting series. On paper, the Hurricanes should make relative light work of the Senators. Especially when you consider the fact that the Senators were among the teams struggling to clinch one of those final playoff spots. However, Ottawa plays a tougher game that could give Carolina some trouble. Rod Brind'Amour even said as much, saying that they're going to be a tough matchup as he believes they are one of the better teams around the league. I like a lot of Carolina's players, they have a signature system that has it's advantages as well as its limitations. As much as I would love to see the Hurricanes become a first round exit, I am a Bussi believer and have Carolina taking the series in six games.

Roberto Solis-Byxbee: Genuinely hoping I'm wrong, but I think the Hurricanes are going to wipe the floor with them. Carolina in five games if not a sweep. (Anybody here know why Chip hates the Senators so much?)

Jake DiBlasio: The Carolina Hurricanes have made it past the quarterfinal round each of the last seven seasons. They have struggled in later rounds when forced to play better teams, but right now they should be able to advance past the Ottawa Senators. The Senators do have some more playoff experience after making it last year, but they will need more from their goalie, Linus Ullmark. I think the Senators will challenge Carolina, but Hurricanes in six.

(2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (3) Philadelphia Flyers

Eric Kohn: As Henry Kissinger said of the Iran-Iraq War, "It's a pity both sides can't lose." I'm as surprised to see the Flyers here as anyone. So, credit to them, in so far as that goes. But I think this says more about the general weakness of the East than it does about where the Flyers are in their now long-run rebuild. The Penguins, on the other hand, saw a remarkable turnaround. Plaudits to the much-maligned Kyle Dubas for what he's done there, even if I hate it because it's the Penguins. Sorry to say, get ready for more playoff Sydney Crosby in your life. Penguins in six.

Chip23: Another Sophie's Choice series. Can I root for a sink hole to swallow up the Keystone State? I don't think this turns into much of a series. Sid is not fucking around this year and he's going to take it to the Flyers. Penguins in four.

Chris Feldman: As much as this is sort of a rock-and-a-hard-place type of match up for Rangers fans, the Battle of Pennsylvania should be quite fun. It's a rivalry that doesn't always get national attention and should result in some good hockey during round one of these playoffs. I'm going to go with Dan Muse and the big three leading the Penguins here. The Flyers made a strong push to take that last spot in the Metro Division. They're riding hot. But I'm not betting against one of the greatest players of all time. I know as a Rangers fan I'm supposed to hate Sidney Crosby, but I don't. I'm not suggesting I need to see him lift another Cup but at least one more round is surely in the cards. I'm going Penguins in seven.

Roberto Solis-Byxbee: I think this is going to be the most intense matchup of the first round, but not because either team is a serious contender. If history has taught us anything, the battle of Pennsylvania will be bloody and high-scoring. The last time the two teams faced off saw Pittsburgh open the series up with a 7-0 trouncing and close it out with an 8-5 victory. My money is on Crosby and Malkin one more time, the Penguins in six games.

Jake DiBlasio: I don't like either one of these teams, but I am excited for the return of the Battle of Pennsylvania in the postseason. The Penguins come into this series with much more playoff experience than the Flyers, but I am going with Philadelphia despite the lack of experience. The Flyers finished the season hot, and I trust their goaltending more, with Dan Vladar is playing much better than either of the Penguins' goalies. I also believe Porter Martone could be the player the Flyers didn't have for most of the year that helps take them to the next level. It won't be easy, but Flyers in seven.

(1) Buffalo Sabres vs. (WC1) Boston Bruins

Eric Kohn: The Buffalo Sabres are an incredible story. And, despite Chip—who seems to be especially dyspeptic about these playoffs—I find them fairly likable as a team, if somewhat less so as a franchise. (Yes, I'm looking at you, Pegula family.) And, they're playing Boston, with the added benefit that I don't actually think the Bruins are all that good. Sabres in six.

Chip23: The Sabres are everyone's darling. Well, fuck that noise. I'm here to spoil the party. I want Buffalo to taste the playoffs this year, get a quick exit, and then not sniff them again for another decade. Boston has the edge in goal, they have better players, and they've got experience. Bruins in six.

Chris Feldman: I'm not the type of fan that really declares a second favorite team but when the Rangers aren't playing, the Sabres are often the team I'll tune into the most. I've been saying for years that they were finally going to end the drought and of course, right when I gave up hope, they finally got there. I also despite the Bruins so this is an easy match up for me to pick a favorite in. That said, it's going to be a close one. The Bruins, against all odds, are still solid. What the Sabres lack in experience, they make up for in skill, I see it going six games and the Sabres are going to come out on top, in overtime.

Roberto Solis-Byxbee: The Sabres have become one of my favorites this season and it'd be such a good thing for the city of Buffalo to taste some postseason success. However, I've been telling anyone who'll listen that the Sabres have a lot of important pieces that will be playing in the playoffs in the NHL for the first time. That's such a big unknown, if there is going to be an upset in the first round I think this series might be the one. Bruins in seven games.

Jake DiBlasio: The Buffalo Sabres finally ended their playoff drought this season, but it won't be the year that they win a playoff series. The Bruins have done a good job of reshaping their roster after bottoming out last year, and they recently added James Hagens for some extra firepower. The Bruins have the better goaltender, and I trust the star power of David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy more than the Sabres stars. Bruins in six.

(2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (3) Montreal Canadiens

Eric Kohn: I think this is going to be an entertaining series, if you can put out of your mind who the two teams are competing in it. In the end, Tampa's experience—plus having Nikita Kucherov and much more reliable goaltending in Andrei Vasilevskiy—gives them the edge. Lightning in six.

Chip23: There's just no chance I'm taking Montreal in this series. Put aside, for a moment, that I despise Jeff Gorton and everything the Montreal Canadiens stand for, I don't see any team in the East getting between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Stanley Cup Finals. Tampa Bay in five.

Chris Feldman: This one has loads of potential to be a fun series as well. Experience versus a team looking to be a future dynasty led by an exciting young core. Tampa's top players have plenty of miles under them, there's injuries to take into consideration, not to mention the fact that this core is over the hill in terms of hockey age. I'm taking Montreal here and it's going to be much quicker than you might expect, five games.

Roberto Solis-Byxbee: The Lightning without Victor Hedman don't feel nearly as dangerous. I think the Canadiens have enough offensive firepower now to overwhelm Tampa Bay, especially when they don't have their top defenseman. Vasilveskiy would need to be spectacular to help the Lightning prevail and to be honest with you, I just don't see that happening. Canadiens in six.

Jake DiBlasio: The Tampa Bay Lightning have been knocked out in the first round every year since their last cup appearance, but I think that changes this year. The Lightning have the experience, and I think Darren Raddysh's play helps take this team to another level. I do think the Canadians will put up a good fight, but the difference maker here for me is goaltending. Andrei Vasilevskiy has been very good, and that's why I have the Lightning in six.

Western Conference

(1) Colorado Avalanche vs. (WC2) Los Angeles Kings

Eric Kohn: The Colorado Avalanche are the best team in the NHL right now, and they have the Presidents Trophy to prove it. I think they're ultimately taking the Stanley Cup when all is said and done. However, here I'm going the William F. Buckley School of Prognostication: I only predict the things that I wish to have occur. If the Kings win, the Rangers get a second round pick instead of a third rounder. So, Kings in seven. (But, the Avs are totally going to sweep.)

Chip23: I'm voting with my heart here. The Kings need to win a round for the third round pick that the Rangers acquired in the Artemi Panarin deal to convert to a second round pick. Unfortunately to do that, they're going to have to cut through the Colorado Avalanche. Could they do it? Sure. Could I win the lottery tomorrow and buy the New York Rangers? Sure. The odds are not good, but they exist. It's the playoffs, baby. Anything can happen. Kings in seven.

Chris Feldman: Yeah, if there's going to be a sweep in the first round, it's going to be this series. The Panarin trade was a great move to make after losing Kevin Fiala to injury, but I still can't get behind a roster who's blue line consists of Cody Ceci, Joel Edmundson, and Brian Dumoulin in the year 2026. Darcy Kuemper is going to have his work cut out for him although even at his best, it's not going to be enough. Avalanche in four.

Roberto Solis-Byxbee: In my humble opinion, this one is almost silly to even speculate about. Sorry guys, but that condition on the draft pick the Rangers received in the Panarin trade definitely isn't hitting. The Avalanche will be breaking out the brooms.

Jake DiBlasio: Rangers fans should be pushing for the Kings to advance, that way the third round pick involved in the Artemi Panarin trade becomes a second round pick. Unfortunately, that is extremely unlikely to happen. The Kings just barely made it to the playoffs, while the Avalanche were one of the best teams all year and are on fire. I don't think they get the sweep, but Avalanche in five.

(2) Dallas Stars vs. (3) Minnesota Wild

Eric Kohn: I'm going back to the Buckley School of Prognostication for this one. I'd like to see the Dallas Stars panic and do something insane, like trade Jason Robertson to the New York Rangers, following a first round exit. In all seriousness, while I think Dallas is one of the better teams in the playoffs, the acquisiton of Quinn Hughes to compliment Kirill Kaprizov and company was a great one. So, with all that in mind, Minnesota in seven.

Chip23: After failing to secure a new, taxpayer funded, arena, Minnesota North Stars owner Norm Green packed up his tent and moved Mike Modano, Ulf Dahlen, Russ Courtnall, and company to Dallas. Now 33 years later, Minnesota can get its revenge. Dallas is at the very end of its contention window, seeing veterans like Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, Matt Duchene, Esa Lindell, all entering the twilight of their careers. Oh sure, they still have some players in their prime, like Wyatt Johnston, Miko Raantanen, and Roope Hintz. But how can those guys possibly compete with the stacked roster of the Minnesota Wild? A roster that Team USA architect Billy Guerin bolstered at the trade deadline with the obvious acquisition of Vincent Trocheck to fill their glaring hole at center. Oh...right. Well, I'm sure Michael McCarron (five points in 20 games since being acquired) and Bobby Brink (four points in 13 games since being acquired) will make all the difference in the world. Dallas in six.

Chris Feldman: The Dallas Stars contention window has been open for a number of years now and there's no guarantee that it's going to remain open for much longer. They need to find a way to get over the hump and back to the Stanley Cup finals It's going to be a close series and be full of fantastic hockey and while I feel silly going against Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, Brock Faber, and Quinn Hughes, I'm taking Dallas in seven.

Roberto Solis-Byxbee: Despite my dislike of Bill Guerin, the Wild have become a favorite of mine. It's a long story but I'm partial to most things from Minnesota. That being said, this is a tough first round matchup. Both teams are contenders and have serious skill throughout their roster. I have a hard time going against Dallas, especially after witnessing the Rantanen wizardry that powered them past his former team last year. Sadly, I have to say Stars in six games, but it's going to be an epic series with multiple games going deep into overtime.

Jake DiBlasio: The Minnesota Wild made some big moves to try and make them Cup contenders, but they are matched up against one of the more experienced teams this season. They added Quinn Hughes and already have Krill Kaprizov. The Stars have struggled against the Edmonton Oilers, but that's not who they are playing. However, the Stars will be without Roope Hintz to start the series, but the Stars win in six.

(1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (WC1) Utah Mammoth

Eric Kohn: It really shows you what having ownership that actually gives a shit (and, ya know, pays it's hotel bills on time) can do for a franchise. Two seasons ago, the Arizona Coyotes were in the basement. Two seasons and a move to Salt Lake City later, and they're in the playoffs. Unfortunately for them, they're going to run into a buzz saw in the form of the Vegas Golden Knights. Vegas in five.

Chip23: I really love the Utah Mammoth. I mean, I don't love them in this series, but they're a fun team that seem pretty easy to root for. Having said that, they're going to get their doors blown off by Vegas. Much as it pains me to say, John Tortorella has the Golden Knights humming along and they're just going to undress this young Utah team. Vegas in four.

Chris Feldman: My hearts saying Utah, but my brain's saying Vegas. I have the tendency to follow my heart too often when making my predictions every year so I'm going to play it safe and go Vegas. Utah knocking them out in the first round would be quite the story and while I don't think it's impossible, it's still a tad unlikely, I'm taking Vegas in six.

Roberto Solis-Byxbee: It's fun, albeit maybe a bit devastating for some Arizonians, that the Utah Mammoth made the postseason. Unfortunately they're up against a newly inspired Golden Knight squad and with John Tortorella at the helm, so no siege will be necessary as Vegas is going to ride right through Utah in five games.

Jake DiBlasio: John Tortorella is back in the playoffs and is taking on an inexperienced Utah Mammoth team. With the addition of Mitch Marner, that could take the Golden Knights to the next level in the postseason. While the Mammoth have some good forwards, I think they will have a hard time against Vegas despite their defense taking a step down from what it was. If the Mammoth were to advance, I think it would be because of poor goaltending. Golden Knights in five.

(2) Edmonton Oilers vs. (3) Anaheim Ducks

Eric Kohn: This series is going to be fascinating. The Ducks are resurgent, back in the playoffs after being a basement dweller for a good while. They have a mix of (ex-Ranger) veteran leadership in players like Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba to go along with great young talent like Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, and Beckett Sennecke. The Oilers have been in the Stanley Cup Final the past two seasons, and have the best player on the planet in Connor McDavid. The have another top 10 NHL talent in Leon Draisaitl, who might be available for them soon. And one of the best defensemen in hockey in Evan Bouchard. They also have one of the absolute worst general managers in all of the NHL in Stan Bowman, who has single-handedly screwed this team through moves like inking Trent Frederic to an albatross of a contract to play on the fourth line and trading an unreliably good goaltender in Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a reliably terrible goaltender in Tristan Jarry. Edmonton has been at this for years and they're still a mess in net. Again, because I want the chaos that it'll produce—particularly when it comes to McDavid and his contract—I'm going with Ducks in six.

Chip23: Has an NHL team ever played a whole game with their goalie pulled? I'm not saying that the Edmonton Oilers necessarily should do this, I'm just wondering if there's a downside to them trying it. Stan Bowman, after inexplicably giving Trent Frederic eight years, hitched Connor McDavid's wagon to a goaltender in Tristan Jarry who is not only worse than the goalie he had, but also more expensive and a major douche. That kind of ineptitude doesn't happen by accident, it takes years of nepotism-driven experience to really shape. Is McDavid talented enough to overcome his goalie? Yes, we've seen him do it plenty. Will he do it now? No, I don't believe he will. But hey, at least he won't have to lose in the Cup Finals again. Ducks in six.

Chris Feldman: "The quack attack is back Jack." The Edmonton Oilers have made it to the Stanley Cup Finals the last two years in a row. The job hasn't gotten finished, but that's still incredibly taxing and a ton of hockey to play in a two year span. They're going to run out of gas, they still don't have goaltending, and the Ducks are just a fun team riding high on an exciting season. They have guys who have been there before, they have much more reliable goaltending than the Oilers ever have in the Connor McDavid era, I'm going Ducks in six.

Roberto Solis-Byxbee: Do you feel bad for McDavid? I definitely do. Draisaitl going down all but guarantees the Oilers won't three-peat getting back to the Finals. However, McDavid alone has enough star power to plow through the Ducks, but even if he scores five goals a game, are any of the Edmonton's netminders reliable enough to only let in four? We're going to find out, but I do think it'll be Edmonton in seven games in an incredibly thrilling, high octane ride.

Jake DiBlasio: I believe the Anaheim Ducks are more well-rounded than they get credit for, and I really liked adding John Carlson on the deadline. While the Ducks may not have a ton of homegrown playoff experience, they have added a lot of players who do. However, Connor McDavid is the best player in hockey, and if Draisaitl is able to come back healthy, we know what that duo could do. I can see this series going either way, but I'm going to go Ducks in seven due to the Oilers' goaltending somehow. getting worse.

Enjoy the playoffs and don't forget, join in on the fun and make your picks in the Blueshirt Banter bracket challenge!

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