The intensity is back, the stakes are higher, and chaos is guaranteed. The first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs is shaping up to deliver everything we expect from postseason hockey: tight games, breakout stars, and at least a few shocking upsets. Here are 5 bold predictions that could define the opening round.

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1. A No. 1 Seed Gets Knocked Out Early

It happens more often than you think, and it’s going to happen again. The top-seeded Carolina Hurricanes will fall in the first round, as the lower-seeded Senators have caught fire at the right time. Whether it’s hot goaltending or a red-hot power play, one of the league’s best regular-season teams won’t make it past Round 1.

2. Connor McDavid Has a Historic Series

Superstars elevate in the playoffs, and McDavid is due for a statement series. Expect him to take over games, rack up points, and remind everyone why he’s the most dynamic player in the National Hockey League. If Edmonton makes a run, it’ll start here in round one against the Ducks.

3. A Goalie Steals a Series

Playoff hockey always comes down to goaltending, and one netminder is going to stand on his head. Whether it’s a veteran rediscovering form or a young goalie breaking out, expect one series to be completely flipped by elite goaltending. Look for the Minnesota Wild goaltending tandem to lead them to an upset over the Dallas Stars.

4. A Surprise Team Dominates Instead of Sneaking By

There’s always a “Cinderella”—but this year, one underdog won’t just survive… they’ll dominate. Instead of grinding out a seven-game series, a lower-seeded team will win convincingly, sending a message to the rest of the bracket. That team will be the Utah Mammoth.

5. Overtime Chaos Defines the Round

If you like drama, you’re in luck. Multiple games—and potentially multiple series—will be decided in overtime. One bounce, one mistake, one moment of brilliance will swing everything. And those moments will shape the entire playoff picture.

Conclusion:

The first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is where unpredictability thrives. Favorites fall. Stars rise. Unknown players become legends overnight. And if these predictions hold true, the 2026 playoffs are about to deliver one of the most chaotic—and unforgettable—opening rounds in years.

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The playoffs are where expectations meet reality, and where chaos usually wins. As the 2026 NBA postseason tips off, every team enters with a path to the Finals on paper. But history tells us that the first round rarely follows the script. Upsets happen, stars emerge, and narratives shift fast. So instead of playing it safe, let’s lean into the unpredictability. Here are five bold predictions that could define the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

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It’s a KAT Attack

The New York Knicks offense runs through Jalen Brunson. He is their best and most consistent player, along with being their leader. But it’s not going to be easy for him against Dyson Daniels and the speedy Atlanta Hawks.

That’s not to say Brunson isn’t going to have a good series, but Karl-Anthony Towns will lead the Knicks offense. For as fast and athletic as the Hawks may be, they don’t have the size and strength to go along with it. Towns had success against Atlanta in the regular season, and now that he’s truly found his groove within the Knicks’ offense, look for him to go nuts this round.

LeBron James Has 3 Triple Doubles

With no Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves, it’s all about LeBron James to begin the postseason. It’s not going to be easy for James and the Los Angeles Lakers against the Houston Rockets, but we know he’s going to give it his best effort. After all, a down season for James was seeing him average 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game this year.

We know that James can rise to the occasion, and he certainly has to here. This isn’t the way he’s going to want to go out, so look for him to be heavily involved and have three triple-doubles.

VJ Edgecombe Averages 25 Points per Game

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Joel Embiid is injured. The Philadelphia 76ers begin the postseason without Embiid, and that means the focus is on their backcourt. It’s an easy matchup against the Boston Celtics, and I’d expect them to focus on shutting down Tyrese Maxey. That’s not to say he won’t have success, but it will open things up for VJ Edgecombe.

In a strong rookie season, Edgecombe averaged 16 points per game, but that jumped to 20.6 in his last 11 games. Based on game context, I’m looking for that number to rise even more in the first round of the NBA playoffs, as the 76ers will likely be trailing as well.

Daniss Jenkins Averages 15 Points per Game

Yes, Cade Cunningham is healthy and returned before the end of the regular season. This is the NBA playoffs, so the urgency is also there. However, it’s also the first round of what should be a long postseason journey for the Detroit Pistons.

Over a 10-game stretch when Cunningham was sidelined, Daniss Jenkins averaged 19.9 points per game, so we know he’s capable. The Pistons will be heavily favored in round one, so look for them to manage Cunningham’s workload where possible. That will open up more opportunities for Jenkins, who could be one of the best bench players of the postseason.

Neemias Queta Averages 15 and 10

Credit is due to Neemias Queta as he’s seemingly taken the center role for the Boston Celtics and run with it. In 25 minutes per game during the regular season, Queta averaged 10.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. The 76ers won’t have Joel Embiid available against Queta and the Celtics, and I’d expect Boston to lean even more heavily on Queta in what should be a relatively stress-free first-round series. 

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