As the 2025-2026 NHL season comes to a close, hockey fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the highly anticipated Stanley Cup playoffs. With 16 teams vying for the coveted championship, the road to the Cup will be filled with intense matchups and thrilling moments. ESPN's experts have weighed in on the upcoming first-round series, making their predictions for the winners of each matchup. From the defending champions looking to repeat to the dark horses seeking an upset, our experts break down the most likely outcomes and the key storylines to watch in each series. Who will emerge victorious and advance to the next round? Check out ESPN's 2026 Stanley Cup playoff picks to find out.
2026 Stanley Cup playoff picks: Every first-round series ESPN
