With the regular season winding down, the focus shifts to the upcoming campaign as the league prepares for the start of the 2026-27 season. The defending Stanley Cup champions look to build on their historic first title, though the exact year of their victory remains unspecified. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as teams begin gearing up for another competitive year. The final stretch of games before the offseason offers a fitting close to the current season, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting new chapter in professional hockey.

As we head into the last weekend without hockey, the 2026-27 season is right around the corner. The Carolina Hurricanes seek to defend their first Stanley Cup title in 20…