Stanley Cup Conference Finals Preview

And then there were four! That's what we have left in the 2024-25 NHL season. Four teams are now left standing. In two weeks time, give or take, we will figure out who's going to play for the greatest prize in all of professional hockey. 

Edmonton is trying to end two droughts in one shot. A Canadian team hasn't lifted the Cup since 1993, and the Oilers haven't won since 1990. Dallas hasn't won a title since 1999, and haven't been in the finals since 2020. Carolina hasn't been to the finals since their lone Cup win in 2006. And the Panthers are the defending Champs who are looking to retain their title.

Who's going to be the last two left standing? Here's how we see it playing out.

Eastern Conference Finals: (M2) Carolina Hurricanes vs (A3) Florida Panthers
This will be the 2nd ever meeting in the playoffs between the two, with the Panthers sweeping the Canes back in the 2023 Conference finals. This is the 5th ever conference final appearance for the Canes, and the third straight for Florida. This is going to be a hard fought series. Andersen has been good in the nets for Carolina, but so has Bobrovsky for Florida. That'll be an even fight. Carolina has just two losses in these playoffs, but this will be a way different test then what they have gone through. Florida knows what it takes to get the job done, they just did it in a tough series against the Leafs. Oh and they are also the two time defending Eastern Conference champions. Give credit where it's do, the Hurricanes are a solid defensive team. What's going to be the difference maker in this series is the offensive depth. Edge there goes to the Panthers.

Pick: Panthers in 6!

Western Conference Finals: (C2) Dallas Stars vs (P3) Edmonton Oilers
This will be the second consecutive season, and tenth time overall, that these two teams have hooked up in the playoffs. This is the third year in a row and tenth overall conference finals appearance for the Stars. Edmonton is in the conference finals for the second year in a row and twelfth time overall. This is the more evenly matched of the two conference finals. Edmonton has the two best players on the planet right now. Dallas is just as hot offensively. This series is going to come down to goaltending. In no way is this taking away anything from how good Stuart Skinner has been in the Oilers net. But Jake Ottinger has been taking his claim to possible playoff MVP with how well he's been going in this years playoofs.

Pick: Stars in 7!