The wait is almost over for hockey fans as the 2026 Stanley Cup Final matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Vegas Golden Knights is set to take center stage. As the two teams gear up to face off for the ultimate prize, hockey experts and analysts are weighing in with their predictions. Who will emerge victorious in this highly anticipated showdown? In this exclusive preview, ESPN's top pundits share their picks for the series, breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of each team and making their cases for why they think the Hurricanes or Golden Knights will hoist the Stanley Cup. Will it be a repeat of last year's thrilling series or a new champion? Find out what the experts have to say.
2026 Stanley Cup Final picks: Who wins Hurricanes-Golden Knights? ESPN
![[Dreger] The Blues front office is changing with Kevin Maxwell and Peter Chiarelli leaving the club to pursue other opportunities. Chiarelli is a candidate in NSH interview process and Maxwell is expected to return to NYR in a management role.](https://preview.redd.it/8hs9m3tumlrg1.jpeg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=ce4550e1caea7b79f0c63dd506935cd41dc4d243)
