After a long three-month hiatus, the NHL season is finally here. Training camp and preseason games are winding down, and the regular season begins next week. Every season brings excitement, intrigue, and storylines.The 26-27 campaign is no different. Every new season brings questions about who makes the playoffs, who wins the Stanley Cup, and more. With all that in mind, let’s dive into some predictions for this season.One more day until the chase for the #StanleyCup returns!!! Watch as the puck drops for the 2026-27 season TOMORROW! #NHLFaceOffpic.twitter.com/wVXQxmjI8l— NHL (@NHL) September 28, 20261. Division and Wild Card StandingsWe’ll start by looking at what the order of each division’s standings will look like. An (X) will indicate who will qualify for the playoffs. First up, let’s go out east to see how things will shake out.Atlantic DivisionMontreal Canadiens (X)Tampa Bay Lightning (X)Florida Panthers (X)Buffalo Sabres (X)Boston Bruins (X)Toronto Maple LeafsOttawa SenatorsDetroit Red WingsMetropolitanCarolina Hurricanes (X)Washington Capitals (X)New Jersey Devils (X)Philadelphia FlyersNew York IslandersColumbus Blue JacketsNew York RangersPittsburgh PenguinsNow, let’s take a look out west and see which teams come out on top.CentralColorado Avalanche (X)Dallas Stars (X)Utah Mammoth (X)Minnesota Wild (X)St. Louis BluesChicago BlackhawksNashville PredatorsWinnipeg JetsPacificVegas Golden Knights (X)Edmonton Oilers (X)San Jose Sharks (X)Anaheim Ducks (X)Los Angeles KingsCalgary FlamesSeattle KrakenVancouver Canucks2. Stanley Cup PlayoffsNext, we see how the playoffs will unfold overall and which teams earn a chance to play for the Lord Stanley Cup.1st Round:Eastern ConferenceCarolina defeats Boston 4-1Montreal defeats Buffalo 4-3Florida defeats Tampa Bay 4-2New Jersey defeats Washington 4-2Western ConferenceColorado defeats Anaheim 4-1Minnesota defeats Vegas 4-2Dallas defeats Utah 4-3Edmonton defeats San Jose 4-32nd RoundEastern ConferenceNew Jersey defeats Carolina 4-2Florida defeats Montreal 4-2Western ConferenceColorado defeats Minnesota 4-3Dallas defeats Edmonton 4-2Conference FinalsEastern ConferenceFlorida defeats New Jersey 4-2Western ConferenceColorado defeats Dallas 4-3Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe WinnerLast, but certainly not least, who will be crowned the 2027 Stanley Cup champions?Florida Panthers vs. Colorado AvalancheColorado defeats Florida 4-1Conn Smythe Trophy Winner: Nathan MacKinnonMaking the magic happen pic.twitter.com/l44acLhl7A— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) September 24, 2026It should be another phenomenal NHL season. The summer is over; it’s time to play some hockey.The post How Will the 2026-2027 NHL Season Play Out? appeared first on The Lead.
