NHL predictions 2026-27: Playoff teams, division winners and Stanley Cup

Key Points:

• The 2026-27 NHL season predictions from Daily Faceoff's panel highlight the Atlantic Division as highly competitive, with Tampa Bay Lightning favored to win, Montreal Canadiens and Florida Panthers also strong contenders, while Detroit Red Wings are unanimously seen as struggling.
• In the Metropolitan Division, defending champions Carolina Hurricanes are expected to remain top contenders, with significant optimism around the Washington Capitals' offseason moves potentially leading them to win the division; meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers are predicted to miss the playoffs by many panelists.
• The Central Division race is expected to be intense, with multiple teams like the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Utah Mammoth, and St. Louis Blues all receiving first-place votes or playoff predictions, indicating a highly competitive battle.
• The Pacific Division is viewed as top-heavy with weak teams overall, with only the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights receiving first-place votes; there is some hope for the San Jose Sharks to make the playoffs, but overall confidence in the division is low.
• For the Stanley Cup Final, the Florida Panthers lead with three votes to win, the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals are also strong contenders, and the Dallas Stars are the favored Western Conference team to possibly claim the Cup, especially in Alex Ovechkin's final season.