The 2025-26 NHL regular season has concluded, and the playoff picture is set. Sixteen teams are in, sixteen are out. Now, the experts have had their say on who will advance from the first round and who will ultimately lift the Stanley Cup.
Bruins vs Sabres: Expert Predictions
The first-round series between the Bruins and Sabres has drawn varied opinions from the pundits. A consensus has emerged, though. Nineteen of 26 experts are backing the Sabres to win this series.
Those picking the Sabres include John Buccigross, Stormy Buonantony, Cassie Campbell-Pascall, Sachin Chandan, Ryan S. Clark, Gregg Colli, Ray Ferraro, Emily Kaplan, Tim Kavanagh, Rachel Kryshak, Steve Levy, Sean McDonough, Mark Messier, Arda Öcal, T.J. Oshie, Kristen Shilton, P.K. Subban, and Bob Wischusen.
The Bruins have the backing of Sean Allen, Meghan Chayka, Erik Johnson, Peter Lawrence-Riddell, Vince Masi, Victoria Matiash and AJ Mleczko.
Lightning vs Canadiens: Who Advances?
The Lightning versus Canadiens series has also been closely analysed. The majority favour the Lightning. Twenty-two of 27 experts predict a Lightning victory.
Those predicting a Lightning win are Sean Allen, John Buccigross, Stormy Buonantony, Cassie Campbell-Pascall, Sachin Chandan, Meghan Chayka, Ryan S. Clark, Ray Ferraro, Emily Kaplan, Rachel Kryshak, Peter Lawrence-Riddell, Steve Levy, Vince Masi, Victoria Matiash, Mark Messier, AJ Mleczko, Mike Monaco, T.J. Oshie, Kristen Shilton, and Bob Wischusen.
Gregg Colli, Erik Johnson, Tim Kavanagh, Sean McDonough, Arda Öcal and P.K. Subban are backing the Canadiens.
Hurricanes vs Senators: Experts Divided
The Hurricanes versus Senators series shows more division among the experts. Most are leaning towards the Hurricanes. However, some believe the Senators could cause an upset.
Those predicting a Hurricanes victory include Sean Allen, John Buccigross, Stormy Buonantony, Cassie Campbell-Pascall, Meghan Chayka, Ryan S. Clark, Gregg Colli, Ray Ferraro, Erik Johnson, Emily Kaplan, Rachel Kryshak, Peter Lawrence-Riddell, Vince Masi, Victoria Matiash, Sean McDonough, Mark Messier, AJ Mleczko, Mike Monaco and Arda Öcal.
Sachin Chandan and Steve Levy are among those picking the Senators.
With the first-round matchups set, the focus shifts to who will ultimately be crowned Stanley Cup champions and who will be named playoff MVP, claiming the Conn Smythe Trophy.