Updated 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Bracket, Schedule After Golden Knights Eliminate Avalanche

The Vegas Golden Knights will play in their second Stanley Cup Final in four years.

Vegas completed the sweep of the Presidents' Trophy winner Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night.

The Golden Knights won Game 4 by a 2-1 score on home ice to make the Stanley Cup Final for the third time in franchise history.

Vegas awaits either the Montreal Canadiens or Carolina Hurricanes in the championship round. Carolina holds a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Updated NHL Playoff Schedule

Game 4: Carolina at Montreal (Wednesday, 8 p.m. ET, TNT)

Game 5: Montreal at Carolina (Friday, 8 p.m. ET, TNT)

Game 6 (if necessary): Carolina at Montreal (Sunday, Time TBD, TNT)

Game 7 (if necessary): Montreal at Carolina (Tuesday, June 2, Time TBD, TNT)

Vegas handled the Avalanche throughout four games.

The Golden Knights held the Avs to seven total goals. Colorado scored no more than three goals in any single game of the Western Conference Finals.

Vegas limited the Avalanche to 21 shots on goal in the series-clinching Game 4. Mark Stone and Cole Smith produced the goals for the Golden Knights.

Vegas' defensive framework under head coach John Tortorella will be key for its success against either Carolina or Montreal.

Tortorella was brought in to replace Bruce Cassidy as head coach on March 29. Vegas went 7-1 in the eight regular-season games under Tortorella. The Western Conference champion comes into the Stanley Cup Final on a six-game winning streak.

The Golden Knights will have at least a week off before the Cup Final begins. Carolina and Montreal have to play at least two more games in the Eastern Conference Final.