# 2026-27 NHL Playoff Predictions

> Panthers to win third straight Cup after Panthers' health surge.
- Title: 2026-27 NHL Playoff Predictions · CBS Sports | Shortify
- Summary: Panthers to win third straight Cup after Panthers' health surge. Florida Panthers win 2026-27 Stanley Cup after recovering from injuries and adding Brady…
- Keywords: panthers, carolina hurricanes, nfl, nhl, stanley cup, mammoth, sharks, hurricanes, macklin celebrini, connor mcdavid, norris trophy, vezina trophy
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nhl/news/2026-27-nhl-season-predictions-expert-picks-stanley-cup-playoffs-final-major-awards
- Published: 2026-09-29T13:27:50+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: panthers, carolina hurricanes, nfl, nhl, stanley cup, mammoth, sharks, hurricanes, macklin celebrini, connor mcdavid, norris trophy, vezina trophy
## 2026-27 NHL season starts
The NHL begins with an 84-game regular season.
## Eastern Conference playoff race
Carolina Hurricanes aim to defend their Stanley Cup title.
## Western Conference contenders
Avalanche and Stars dominate the Central Division.
## Eastern Conference standings
Panthers lead Atlantic Division with healthy core.
## Western Conference standings
Mammoth face tough path to Stanley Cup Final.
## Biggest surprise team
Columbus Blue Jackets advance after internal improvements.
## Sharks' playoff push
Sharks add Ivar Stenberg to boost playoff chances.
## Stanley Cup Final picks
Panthers win third straight Stanley Cup.
## Panthers' health surge
Panthers recover from injuries with Brady Tkachuk added.
## Mammoth's path to Cup
Mammoth face strong competition in Western Conference.
## Panthers' Stanley Cup win
Panthers win 2026-27 Stanley Cup after health surge.
## Key takeaway

Florida Panthers win 2026-27 Stanley Cup after recovering from injuries and adding Brady Tkachuk.