The Stanley Cup Playoffs are through the first round. The most surprising outcome featured no second-ranked teams moving through. However, the NHL continues to provide us with plenty of excitement, as these current Stanley Cup Playoffs have been as entertaining as anyone could hope for. Here are the updated Stanley Cup power rankings.

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8. Anaheim Ducks

Anaheim moves on. They face Vegas in the second round. This young Ducks team has raised eyebrows with their ability to play hard and with grit.

Apr 18, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (80) and center Sean Couturier (14) celebrate after defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

7. Philadelphia Flyers

Porter Martone has been the bright spot in the Flyers’ offense. Since his NHL debut, he’s been better than advertised. In the second round, the Flyers face off against the top-seeded Hurricanes. The most interesting statistic for Philadelphia’s postseason run is that they have yet to score a first-period goal.

6. Vegas Golden Knights

Vegas cruised in its first-round showdown with Utah. Now, the Golden Knights turn their attention to Anaheim. The Ducks are not an easy matchup, but the Golden Knights can move on in six games.

5. Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens’ second-round series, with the Sabres, has the makings of an all-time playoff matchup. Both teams are playing some of their best hockey. Montreal and Buffalo should see the series go at least six games.

Apr 19, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson (72) celebrates his second goal of the game with teammates during the third period against the Boston Bruins in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

4. Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres did it during the regular season, and their performance has carried over into the postseason. This team is not to be taken lightly. The team’s defense must step up and prevent a hot Canadiens’ offense from doing damage in the second round.

3. Minnesota Wild

The Wild handled the Stars with ease in round one. Now, they focus their attention on the Colorado Avalanche. If Sunday night’s game one, which had 15 goals scored, says anything, this is going to be an offensive barrage of a series.

2. Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina swept Ottawa in round one and moved on to face the Philadelphia Flyers. The Hurricanes are the darlings of the Eastern Conference. The Flyers have yet to score a first-period goal in the playoffs, and the Hurricanes can take advantage of early leads throughout their second-round matchup.

Apr 23, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) warms up prior to game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

1. Colorado Avalanche

The race to the Stanley Cup goes through Colorado. The Avalanche are the NHL’s best and rightfully so. Nathan MacKinnon is the favorite to win the year’s Conn Smythe Trophy.

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