The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs have taken an unexpected turn, with the final four teams defying conventional wisdom and upsetting favored opponents in the semifinals. In a thrilling turn of events, the underdog Arizona Coyotes knocked off the top-seeded Toronto Maple Leafs, while the Los Angeles Kings edged out the heavily favored Colorado Avalanche. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes stunned the New York Rangers in a closely contested series, and the Boston Bruins pulled off a stunning comeback against the Tampa Bay Lightning. As the final four teams gear up for the Stanley Cup Finals, hockey fans are left wondering if this year's playoffs will produce a Cinderella story or a dominant champion.
2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Final 4 Defy the Trends heavy.com
