The 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs culminated with the Carolina Hurricanes capturing the championship title by defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in a hard-fought six-game series. Entering the postseason tournament, elite powerhouse contenders like the Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, and Edmonton Oilers shared top-tier favoritism among oddsmakers, but Carolina stormed through the bracket with a dominant 16-3 record, ultimately lifting Lord Stanley's coveted trophy under the veteran leadership of playoff MVP Jordan Staal.