As the 2026 Stanley Cup Final unfolds, it's time to reflect on the 14 NHL playoff series that brought us to this point. While the series between the Hurricanes and Golden Knights has all the makings of a classic, the road to the final has been a rollercoaster of twists and turns. This annual ranking, though subjective, provides a glimpse into the excitement and drama that has defined this postseason. From unexpected upsets to close contests, each series has its own story to tell. Now, let's dive into the rankings, starting from the least memorable and working our way up to the ultimate showdown.
14. Avalanche vs. Kings (First Round):
The Avalanche, despite their Presidents' Trophy status, faced a Kings team that knew its fate. The series was never truly competitive, with the Avs pulling away in Game 4. While it may be remembered as one-sided, the third period in Game 4 was the only time the Avs truly dominated, leaving the Kings with no chance to turn the tide.
13. Hurricanes vs. Flyers (Second Round):
The Hurricanes, heavy favorites, swept the Flyers in four games. While the Flyers earned credit for their effort, they failed to generate any highlights. The series was mercifully short, but the Hurricanes' dominance was evident.
12. Golden Knights vs. Avalanche (Conference Final):
The Golden Knights, peaking at the right moment, faced a hobbled Avalanche team. Despite the Avalanche's star power, the Golden Knights delivered a stunning sweep. The absence of Cale Makar from the Avalanche lineup was a significant factor, but the series fell short of expectations.
11. Hurricanes vs. Canadiens (Conference Final):
This series, a clash of styles, resulted in a five-game thriller with two overtime games. The Hurricanes, despite outshooting the Canadiens, faced a veteran team with emotional baggage. The series highlighted the NHL's conference final problem, with a lack of Game 7 showdowns.
10. Flyers vs. Penguins (First Round):
A classic rivalry was expected, but the bad blood never truly surfaced. The Flyers won three quick games, followed by two Penguins victories. The series ended in six games, with the Flyers' OT win in Game 6 providing a memorable celebration.
9. Hurricanes vs. Senators (First Round):
The Hurricanes, a Cup favorite, faced a Senators team finding its form. The series was a disappointment at the time, but in hindsight, the Senators provided a tough challenge. The chaotic overtime sequence in Game 2 added to the series' intrigue.
8. Sabres vs. Bruins (First Round):
The Sabres, written off after a poor season, faced the Bruins, who were written off in mid-December. The series had its share of fun moments, with the Bruins' late-game switch in Game 1. Despite the Bruins' 15-year playoff absence, the series was a fun reintroduction to postseason hockey.
7. Avalanche vs. Wild (Second Round):
The Avalanche, after a first-round bye, faced the Wild. The series was disappointingly brief, with only one close final score. Game 1, however, was a spectacle, with 15 goals and a wild comeback from the Avalanche.
6. Ducks vs. Oilers (First Round):
The Oilers, under pressure, faced the young Ducks. Connor McDavid's injury and poor goaltending plagued the Oilers, leading to a shocking first-round exit. The Ducks' OT win in Game 4 gave them a series lead, but it wasn't an upset according to the standings.
5. Golden Knights vs. Ducks (Second Round):
The Golden Knights, young and unpredictable, faced the veteran Ducks. The series was reasonably good, with the Golden Knights serving notice of their regular-season record. The Ducks' solid effort and the Golden Knights' OT win in Game 5 made it a memorable matchup.
4. Wild vs. Stars (First Round):
The Wild, a sure thing, faced the Stars. The series was a good one, but it fell short of the classic status it seemed destined for. The Wild and Stars split Games 3 and 4 in overtime, with Quinn Hughes' flukey goal in the finale providing a memorable moment.
3. Golden Knights vs. Mammoth (First Round):
The Golden Knights, recovering from a season-long slump, faced the Mammoth. The series was a solid little matchup with twists and turns. The Knights' OT wins in Games 4 and 5 were crucial, and Brett Howden's double-OT winner in Game 5 was a rare sudden-death shorty.
2. Canadiens vs. Sabres (Second Round):
The Canadiens, a lovable mix of youngsters and veterans, faced the Sabres. The series had a high number of blowouts, but it still resulted in the closest series of the second round. The Canadiens' Game 7 win was a memorable moment, ensuring we had at least a few Game 7 showdowns.
1. Canadiens vs. Lightning (First Round):
The Canadiens, an up-and-coming team, faced the grizzled Lightning. This series was an instant classic, with every game tied in the third period. The Canadiens' fluky game-winner in Game 7, one of only nine shots, was a memorable moment. The series lived up to the hype, despite Nikita Kucherov's early departure.
In conclusion, the 2026 NHL playoffs have been a rollercoaster of emotions and unexpected twists. From the Avalanche's dominance to the Canadiens' instant classic, each series has its own story. As the Stanley Cup Final unfolds, the Hurricanes and Golden Knights will look to add their own chapter to this thrilling postseason narrative.
