Three-quarters of the NHL's final four teams are finally ready to return to the ice after an extended break. The Carolina Hurricanes will have endured a league-record 12-day hiatus between series, following their second straight sweep that eliminated Philadelphia, before facing the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 on Thursday.
The Colorado Avalanche, idle since dispatching Minnesota on May 13, will meet the Vegas Golden Knights, who have been off one day less after eliminating Anaheim. The Western Conference final begins Wednesday night in Denver.
Western Conference Final: Colorado Avalanche vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Playoff paths: Colorado defeated Los Angeles in four games and Minnesota in five. Vegas beat Utah in six and Anaheim in six.
Players to watch: Vegas winger Mitch Marner leads the league in playoff points with 18, marking his first third-round appearance after a decade of disappointment in Toronto. He also ranks second in goals to teammate Pavel Dorofeyev's nine. Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon is on a six-game goal streak with 36 shots on net in nine games, including three power-play tallies. The Knights' defense must also contend with Cale Makar, though he has been limited to one assist this postseason.
First glance: This series represents the toughest challenge yet for the Knights, facing the Presidents' Trophy winners who have lost only once in the tournament. The Avalanche used their time off to rest minor ailments, with Artturi Lehkonen, Makar, and Brent Burns missing practice time. Colorado boasts strong centers, but three of the league's top 10 playoff hitters are Knights: Ivan Barbashev (65 hits), Keegan Kolesar (54), and Cole Smith (49). Vegas has allowed the most shots per game among remaining teams (just under 30), while the Avs will test goaltender Carter Hart, who has faced more rubber than any other netminder except Montreal's Jakub Dobes. At the other end, Scott Wedgewood has secured the starting role with a .914 save percentage, just behind Hart.
Season series: The teams split two overtime games in Colorado after Christmas, with the Avalanche winning 6-5 in a shootout and the Knights prevailing 3-2 in overtime.
All-time playoffs: Vegas won the only prior meeting in 2021, overcoming a 2-0 series deficit.
Did you know? MacKinnon is one of 44 NHL players in history with 20 or more playoff power-play goals.
Prediction: Colorado in six games.
Eastern Conference Final: Montreal Canadiens vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Playoff paths: Montreal defeated Tampa Bay in seven games and Buffalo in seven. Carolina beat Ottawa in four and Philadelphia in four.
Players to watch: Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes has bounced back from setbacks to win two Game 7s on the road, aided by secondary scoring from Alex Newhook (two series-winning goals among his seven) and Kirby Dach (four goals). Carolina's Frederik Andersen has been flawless with a league-best .950 save percentage, while winger Taylor Hall is averaging 1.5 points per game.
First glance: The Hurricanes' extended break included three straight days away from the ice, which could favor Montreal in Game 1. However, the Canadiens face a stingy Carolina defense that has allowed just 25.1 shots per game in eight contests. Coach Rod Brind'Amour's team emphasizes relentless forechecking. Montreal begins on the road again and must harness the energy of the Bell Centre crowd. The Canadiens boast a more dynamic power play, but Carolina has killed 38 of 40 penalties. Montreal's playoff toughness is evident in their 232 blocked shots through 14 games.
Season series: Montreal swept three games against Carolina, including two wins in late March, with Dobes earning first-star honors in a 3-1 victory.
Playoff history: Carolina reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2002 and 2006, both times defeating the Canadiens en route to the championship. Montreal won all three series when the franchise was the Hartford Whalers, including a 1992 thriller decided by Russ Courtnall's double-overtime goal.
Did you know? The Canadiens are the youngest team to reach the conference final in 33 years, with an average age of 25.8.
Prediction: Hurricanes in six games.
