The NHL Playoffs Have Been Dominated by These Two Powerhouses

The Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche have dominated the postseason in 2026. They each remain undefeated as we have hit the midpoint of the second round.

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Domination From the Very Beginning of the Playoffs

The Hurricanes dominated the first round, destroying the Ottawa Senators from start to finish. For many who watched the games, it was clear the teams were far more uneven than the scores suggested. The Colorado Avalanche, on the other hand, played a much tighter series against the Los Angeles Kings before blowing them out in LA during game four, 5-1.

The second round has seen much of the same for both teams. The Avalanche have proved this postseason that they can win any type of hockey game, including a 9-6 win over the Minnesota Wild in Game 1. Game two proved to be much of the same for the Avs as they took game two with a final score of 5-2.

The Carolina Hurricanes have looked like the team to beat to begin the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They have jumped out to a 3-0 lead over the Philadelphia Flyers, and don’t seem to be looking back anytime soon.

With the Canes’ win on Thursday, they became the 13th team to begin the NHL Playoffs with a 7-0 record. Eight of the first twelve teams went on to win the Stanley Cup. The Hurricanes are firing on all cylinders at the right time, netminder Frederik Andersen looks like he can’t be beat, their offense is scoring at will, while teams have a tough time getting past their blue line.

The Hurricanes Jump into the Record Book

The Avalanche have a chance to join the Hurricanes in the record book on Saturday. The Avalanche remain the favorites to win the Stanley Cup; however, the Hurricanes are making a case to be the favorites if the two meet in the Stanley Cup Finals.

While their records so far are great, they will have to keep this up if they reach the Conference Finals, as the games will continue to get tougher.

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