The stage is set for the NHL's conference finals showdown, with three thrilling matchups awaiting fans. In the Western Conference, the Colorado Avalanche will face off against the Vegas Golden Knights, with the Avalanche looking to continue their dominant form and secure a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, the Carolina Hurricanes will battle against the Montreal Canadiens, setting up a thrilling North-South showdown between two of the league's top teams. With a combined 12 playoff series victories between them, these two matchups promise to be intense and closely contested, with each team eager to punch their ticket to the NHL's championship series.

NHL conference finals preview: Avalanche-Golden Knights, Hurricanes-Canadiens  ESPN