Crystal Ball Picks Blog
14 posts in NHL
2026-06-01
2026 Stanley Cup Finals Preview: Carolina Hurricanes vs. Vegas Golden Knights
The Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights meet in the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals. One team is nearly perfect. The other has been here before. This is going to be a series.
Read more →2026-05-30
NHL Week That Was: Stanley Cup Final Set, Vegas Sweeps, and Saying Goodbye to Claude Lemieux
The Vegas Golden Knights swept the Presidents' Trophy-winning Avalanche. The Carolina Hurricanes closed out Montreal in five games. The Stanley Cup Final is set, and the hockey world lost one of its own.
Read more →2026-05-23
2026 NHL Conference Finals Week 1: Vegas Stuns Colorado, Canadiens Roll
Vegas takes a 2-0 lead on Colorado without Cale Makar, while Montreal hands Carolina its first playoff loss in this 2026 NHL Conference Finals recap.
Read more →2026-05-19
2026 NHL Conference Finals Preview: Hurricanes vs. Canadiens and Avalanche vs. Golden Knights
The 2026 NHL Conference Finals are set. Carolina faces a surging Montreal team fresh off a Game 7 overtime win, and Colorado meets a Vegas team built for deep playoff runs. Matchups, storylines, and my picks.
Read more →2026-05-16
2026 NHL Conference Semifinals Recap: Hurricanes Roll, Avalanche Advance, Sabres Force Game 7
Carolina keeps sweeping. Colorado survives a dramatic Game 5 in OT. Vegas closes out Anaheim in six. And Buffalo stormed into Montreal and forced a Game 7.
Read more →2026-05-09
2026 NHL Playoffs Conference Semifinals Recap: Marner Hat Trick, Hurricanes 7-0, Avalanche Surge
Mitch Marner's natural hat trick steals the week, the Hurricanes keep rolling at 7-0, and Colorado and Montreal-Buffalo deliver the biggest Round 2 storylines. Full NHL conference semifinals recap.
Read more →2026-05-03
Golden Knights vs Ducks 2026 NHL Playoffs Round 2 Series Preview
Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks Round 2 series preview for the 2026 NHL Playoffs. Can the Ducks pull off another upset? Matchup breakdown, key storylines, and our series pick.
Read more →2026-05-03
Sabres vs Canadiens 2026 NHL Playoffs Round 2 Series Preview
Buffalo Sabres vs Montreal Canadiens Round 2 series preview for the 2026 NHL Playoffs. Two young rosters, two great stories, and a goaltending battle that could define the series.
Read more →2026-05-02
2026 NHL Playoffs Week 2 Recap: Oilers Eliminated, Sabres Make History, Round 2 Set
Full recap of Week 2 of the 2026 NHL Playoffs, including NHL playoff results, series updates, the Oilers' elimination, Buffalo's historic win, and Game 7 previews.
Read more →2026-05-02
Avalanche vs Wild 2026 NHL Playoffs Round 2 Series Preview
Colorado Avalanche vs Minnesota Wild Round 2 series preview for the 2026 NHL Playoffs. Matchup breakdown, key storylines, and our series pick.
Read more →2026-05-02
Hurricanes vs Flyers 2026 NHL Playoffs Round 2 Series Preview
Carolina Hurricanes vs Philadelphia Flyers Round 2 series preview for the 2026 NHL Playoffs. Matchup breakdown, key storylines, and our series pick.
Read more →2026-04-25
2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round Recap: Avalanche, Flyers, Hurricanes Up 3-0
The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are one week in. Three series are on the brink of sweeps, and two major upsets are brewing. Here is the full Week 1 recap.
Read more →2026-04-17
2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Predictions: First Round Picks and Championship Pick
2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs predictions for all 8 first round series, Conference Finals picks, and who I think lifts the Cup. My full NHL playoff predictions inside.
Read more →2026-04-06
Florida Panthers Eliminated: 2026 NHL Playoff Picture & What It Means
The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers have been eliminated from playoff contention. As a Panthers fan, it stings — but the 2026 playoff picture just got a whole lot more interesting.
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