As the 2026 NHL playoffs heat up, hockey fans are eagerly awaiting the next round of matchups. The Eastern Conference semifinals have seen some surprising upsets, but now it's time to look ahead to the Eastern Conference Final. With a mix of seasoned veterans and young stars, several teams are vying for a spot in the final showdown. In this exclusive analysis, The Hockey News breaks down the contenders and predicts which teams will advance to the Eastern Conference Final. Will the Tampa Bay Lightning, fueled by their dominant regular season, continue their winning streak? Or will the Carolina Hurricanes, led by their potent offense, make a deep run? Find out which teams are poised to make history in the Eastern Conference Final.


NHL Playoff Predictions 2026: Who Will Advance To The Eastern Conference Final?  The Hockey News