# Avalanche Panthers Stanley Cup Aspirations

> Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers aim for Stanley Cup after playoff struggles.
- Title: Avalanche Panthers Stanley Cup Aspirations · CBS Sports
- Summary: Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers aim for Stanley Cup after playoff struggles. avalanche, panthers, nfl · reported by CBS Sports.
- Keywords: avalanche, panthers, nfl, stanley cup, nhl, playoffs, 2026-27 season, cale makar, nathan mackinnon, brady tkachuk, sports, Stanley
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nhl/news/nhl-power-rankings-avalanche-panthers-stanley-cup-final
- Published: 2026-09-30T14:03:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: avalanche, panthers, nfl, stanley cup, nhl, playoffs, 2026-27 season, cale makar, nathan mackinnon, brady tkachuk, sports
## 2026-27 NHL season starts
As the 2026-27 NHL season begins, it's not hard to spot the teams with the highest expectations.
## Avalanche's Stanley Cup history
The Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2022, but have faced playoff disappointment since.
## Avalanche's current pressure
The pressure is mounting for the Avs to win at least one more title with Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar at the top of their game.
## Panthers' new strength
Florida Panthers acquired Brady Tkachuk from Ottawa Senators over summer, making them a Stanley Cup favorite.
## Panthers' blue line
Aleksander Barkov recovered from torn ACL, and the Panthers have a deep blue line for Stanley Cup contention.
## Avalanche's contract
Cale Makar's $163.2 million contract extension kicks in next season, adding pressure to the Avalanche.
## Hurricanes' goaltending
Carolina Hurricanes have goaltending questions with Pyotr Kochetkov and Brando Bussi.
## Hurricanes' defense
Alexander Nikishin remains unsigned and on the trade block for the Hurricanes.
## Stars' playoff history
Dallas Stars have three straight Western Conference final appearances from 2023-25 but faced first-round exit last season.
## Golden Knights' challenges
Vegas Golden Knights face father time and goaltending issues for playoff runs.
## Lightning's playoff struggles
Tampa Bay Lightning have squandered great regular seasons with poor first-round showings in four straight seasons.
## Wild's potential
Minnesota Wild could benefit from Quinn Hughes and Matt Boldy with a full year of experience.
## Mammoth's growth
Utah Mammoth has Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther on the cusp of superstardom.
## Key takeaway

Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers enter 2026-27 NHL season with Stanley Cup aspirations after recent playoff disappointments.