Who'll advance in NHL playoff bracket? Picks, predictions for first round
The first round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs will feature eight series. USA TODAY staffers weigh in on which teams will reach the second round.
The NHL playoffs will have a different look this season. The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers are out after an injury-plagued season and the Buffalo Sabres surged after a general manager change to end their 14-season playoff drought . All told, six 2026 playoff teams had missed the postseason last year.
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers, playing in the first round, have been out for a combined eight seasons. So who will advance to the second round? USA TODAY's Mike Brehm, Jace Evans and Kevin Skiver offer their predictions and analysis on the eight first-round series of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Eastern Conference Carolina Hurricanes vs Ottawa Senators predictions Mike Brehm: Hurricanes in 5. Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour has never lost in the first round and the Senators aren't deep enough to end that run. Carolina goalie Brandon Bussi gave up some bad goals down the stretch, and he'll have to stop that if the Hurricanes are going to go far.
Jace Evans: Hurricanes in 5. It's kind of the same old story for Carolina. The 'Canes are deep.
Continue to the original source for the full article.